*
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    


Black Dyke Band

Plaudit crescendo for Black Dyke Proms appearance

July 21 • Fans and critics alike have joined in a chorus of plaudits and congratulations for Black Dyke Band's BBC Proms appearance alongside soloist David Childs.


Edward

Richard Fife Award won by tuba player

July 21 • Tredegar tuba player Edward Falloon is the 2026 winner of the prestigious Richard Fice Solo competition.


Wright and Round

Wright and Round: Say a Little Prayer (Burt Bacharach arr. Ray Farr)

July 21 • A classic bit of easy listening 1960s magic for any concert programme.


City of Bristol

New leadership roles at City of Bristol

July 21 • Mark Dallas and Andrew Read take on new roles to help push Bristol band forward.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Chinnor Silver

July 21 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join our ambitious,friendly and hard working 1st section band.Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (no setting up and down). Good but realistic diary of concerts and contests including tour abroad in 2027.


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd