*
banner

Foden's set to close!

Make sure you get your entry in for the 3rd Foden's Solo, Duet & Quartet Contest, as the brilliant prizes on offer may go to someone else instead!

Fodens
 

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

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd