The closing date for the 3rd Foden's Solo, Duet & Quartet contest on the 2nd November at Sandbach School in Cheshire has been announced.

Entry date

Entries must be in by the 29th September if performers are to have the chance to join the ever growing number of players who now take part in the event.

This year sees the addition of new percussion classes and even more prizes to be won in each of the 13 classes thanks to sponsor partners Besson Musical Instruments and Audi Macclesfield.

International flavour

The international flavour of the day sees Besson artistes Alexis Demailly (principal cornet of Paris Brass) and Mike Dodd (principal euphonium of Grimethorpe) join Foden's Mark Wilkinson and Mark Landon as the panel of judges.

The innovative partnership with the RNCM in Manchester will also enable a number of students to sit in with the judges to gain invaluable adjudication experience.

International travel

Through the generosity of Besson Musical Instruments, the winner of the Blue Riband ‘Open Air-Varie’ class will win an international trip to feature either with a band as a soloist, or to compete in an overseas solo competition.

Meanwhile, the winner of the 16-21 Air-Varie class will get a new work written for them by talented young composer Lee Morris.

Record entry

Contest organiser Fiona Rolfe told 4BR: "We are looking forward to another great day and hope to attract a record entry.

The excellent facilities at Sandbach School enable us to comfortably accommodate over 180 players and supporters, so please enter or come along and support everyone taking part."

The excellent facilities at Sandbach School enable us to comfortably accommodate over 180 players and supporters, so please enter or come along and support everyone taking partFiona Rolfe

Wonderful facilities

Fiona added: "We are able to provide wonderful accompanists, brilliant prizes and the usual friendly atmosphere and encouragement to all competitors regardless of age or standard. We just want everyone to enjoy a great day of music making."

Entry forms are available from fiona-rolfe@hotmail.co.uk