*
banner

And all that jazz...

Andy Scott and John Barber to unlock the mysteries of jazz improvisation in new Foden's workshop. Cool....

John Barber
 

Foden's composer in residence Andy Scott and trombone star John Barber (above) are to spearhead a brand new initiative to help brass band musicians unlock the mysteries of jazz improvisation.

Workshop

The duo will be holding a special workshop event at Foden's bandroom in Sandbach on Sunday 22nd June, where they will give an insight into how the classically-trained player can start to understand and perform different improvisation styles — from bossa nova and funk to swing and free flowing jazz.

The 'feel and style' approach is highly successful and can be quickly incorporated into a performer’s playing — helped by Andy’s innovative 'Access All Areas' music charts.

Unlocking

Foden's Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "This is the first of a number of innovative workshops that we hope will broaden player’s musical horizons. Unlocking the jazz genre is something every player should enjoy.

We also have an ongoing Youth Development policy, are currently in the middle of running a composers contest and will be hosting the organisation of Allan Withington's Conducting School, so there is going to something for everyone over the coming months."

The workshop is open to all ages, instruments and standard — so why not get along and become a cool jazz cat in the process....4BR

Open to all

The workshop is open to all ages, instruments and standard – so why not get along and become a cool jazz cat in the process....

Contact

Anyone interested in further information about the jazz workshop is asked to contact Mark at: marklwilky@hotmail.com
Or on: 07740 354106

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    


Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Corporate partnership shares ethos with Grimethorpe

January 16 • Grimethorpe announces corporate link with leading mobile and static welfare accommodation manufacturer to share long-standing commitment to community, charity, and local engagement.


Vanhoorne

Final NZ bow for Vanhoorne

January 16 • The inspirational Belgian conductor and cornet player will return home in April this year after enjoying a six year tenure of success in New Zealand.


Tredegar

Tredegar reunites for RNCM Festival

January 16 • The Welsh champion has welcomed a new signing as well as an old friend for their forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival performance.


CalderPips

No hush hush approach for CalderPips new mutes

January 16 • The new mutes from the CalderPips team have already made a noise with the chatter from eager customers.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd