Great prizes, a warm welcome and slick organisation ensured that over 100 performers once again enjoyed making their way to Sandbach Boys School on the weekend for the Foden's Solo, Duet & Quartet Competition.

Players of all ages and abilities competed across 16 sections in a bid to impress the hard working adjudication quartet of euphonium stars Glyn Williams and Glenn Van Looy, percussionist Chris Bastock and Anthony Galinier, principal horn of the Paris Brass Band.

Support

Thanks to the continued support of sponsors Besson and Audi (Macclesfield) amongst others, Foden’s were able to cope with the massive logistics involved by utilising four separate halls over seven hours of excellent music making.

Meanwhile, players and supporters not only enjoyed the baking skills of Foden’s players but had the opportunity to try out Besson’s new ‘Urban Play’ app on their hi-tech phones and tablets.

Besson's online marketing manager Aurélien Amzallag was on hand to lead people through the innovative teaching aid ‘app’ which will be officially launched on 15th November.

Welcome

Although there was a keen competitive edge to the competitions, emphasis was also placed on encouragement and support — especially with many young players giving their first public performances.

Additional prizes were also given out on the day to the ‘most promising’ player in three of the sections.

The decision to hold result ceremonies in the morning and afternoon also meant that nobody was left hanging around all day, with prize winners gaining recognition for their efforts in front of a packed hall.

Winners

The first prizes to be won came from the various 'Slow Melody', 'Under 16 Air-Varie' and 'Percussion' sections.

James Atkins topped no less than 22 excellent contenders in the ‘14-16 Slow Melody’ class courtesy of a fine performance of ‘Share My Yolk', to just pip Leah Forsythe's 'Romanze’ and Jack Lythaby's 'Romance’.

Once again the day was enhanced by the presence of a large contingent of participants from three of Belgium's leading bands — Brass Band Heist, Festival Brass Band and Brass Band Willebroek.

Amongst the party was the respected conductor, Frans Violet who was supporting his two sons, Jonas and Lode, and who was very impressed with his first visit to the competition.

Pianist support

All of the Belgium performers were accompanied by their own top class pianist, who certainly enhanced their renditions.

These included Veerle Vermuelen, who won the 'Open Slow Melody' category with a lovely 'Meditation' from ‘Thais’ from a field of 26 rivals. Two fine performances from Lode Violet and Chris Robertson took the podium places.

Talent

The talented Jamie Reid caught the ear of Glenn Van Looy in the '12-13 Slow Melody', competition to finish narrowly ahead of Margot Binon and Abby Kilpatrick, whilst Glyn Williams waited till near the end of the hard fought ‘Under 16 Air-Varie’ competition for the eventual winner, baritone player, Bethan Brown.

She beat off the fine challenge of Lina Van Lint and an excellent show from Simon Binon, who at just nine years of age was the youngest competitor of the day.

Not surprisingly, Simon also took the spoils in the '11 and Under Slow Melody' to win himself a solo written for him by Foden's talented composer, Andrew Stevenson, whilst euphonium player Daniel Thomas also gained a solo prize written by Lee Morris, as he won the '17-19 Slow Melody' section, with Olivia Appleton and John-Luke Harris close behind.

Blue Riband winner

It was the experienced Fairey Band horn player, Paul Bennett (above) who won the Blue Riband ‘Open Air Varie’ event, as he beat off a high class field of 14 rivals to take the honours judged by Glenn Van Looy.

His cracking performance of 'Capriccio Brilliante' edged out the impressive 19 year old Lode Violet and young Thailand euphonium player, Boonyarit Littaweepitak ,who is currently studying at the RNCM in Manchester.

Through the generous support of Besson, Paul will now get the opportunity to link up with River City Brass and James Gourlay in the USA — something he was certainly looking forward to as he told 4BR.

“I really enjoyed my first visit to the Foden's contest and I'd like to pass on my congratulations to them for organising a great event. I also took the opportunity to listen to some of the other sections where the overall standard of playing was very good.”

Paul was accompanied on piano by his friend, the well-known baritone player, Rob Richardson. “He is a man of many talents,” Paul added. “I owe him a huge thank you, so will be thinking of him on my trip to the USA to work with James Gourlay!”

Percussion sections

The Percussion Sections also saw creative performances for adjudicator, Chris Bastock to enjoy.

The talented duo of Julia Bromiley and Connor Chambers battled against each other — Julia taking the spoils in the ‘Open Tuned’ category, whilst Connor got revenge in the ‘Un-Tuned’ Section.

Duet success

Elsewhere, there was success for Boonyarit Kittaweepitak & Daniel Thomas in the ‘Open Duets', whilst Leah Forsythe & Sam Brodison won the ‘Duet: 12-16 years of Age’. Taylor Roberts & Rowan Tjepkema successfully defended their title in a wonderful ‘Under 11s’ section.

The three quartet categories also provided Anthony Galinier and Glyn Williams with plenty to enjoy, with outstanding duo EQ and Over Wyre Brass emerging as winners.

Wilkinson's delight

At the end of a long day, Foden's Band Manager, Mark Wilkinson couldn't hide his delight at how things had gone.

"We are absolutely delighted that the event continues to flourish," he said. "We would like to thank the competitors, sponsors Besson Musical Instruments and Audi (Macclesfield), along with the trade stand advertisers and supporters for making it another great success."

He added: “Special thanks go to Fiona and Andy Rolfe for the organisational skills, our hard working team of piano ccompanists and to the members of Foden's who willingly gave up their time to be actively involved once more.”

Future

Foden's Secretary Andy Rolfe concluded: "As always we welcome constructive feedback from those who came to ensure we keep the contest growing and improving — and we will of course be welcoming everybody back again next year.”

We would like to thank the competitors, sponsors Besson Musical Instruments and Audi (Macclesfield), along with the trade stand advertisers and supporters for making it another great successFoden's Band

Results:

Open Slow Melody:
Adjudicator: Anthony Galinier

1. Veerle Vermeulen
2. Lode Violet
3. Chris Robertson

Open Tuned Percussion:
Adjudicator: Chris Bastock

1. Julia Bromiley
2. Connor Chambers

Open Un-Tuned Percussion:
Adjudicator: Chris Bastock

1. Connor Chambers
2. Julia Bromiley

Slow Melody: Age 17-19
Adjudicator: Glyn Williams

1. Daniel Thomas
2. Olivia Appleton
3. John-Luke Harris

Slow Melody: Age 14-16:
Adjudicator: Glenn Van Looy

1. James Atkins
2. Lewis Topping
3. Jack Lythaby

Slow Melody: Age 12-13 years
Adjudicator: Glenn Van Looy

1. Jamie Read
2. Martijn Binon
3. Abby Kilpatrick

Slow Melody: Age 11 & Under
Adjudicator: Glyn Williams

1. Simon Binon
2. Tom Fox
3. Kimberley Harrison

Open Air Varie:
Adjudicator: Glenn Van Looy

1. Paul Bennettt
2. Lode Violet
3. Boonyarit Kittaweepitak

Air Varie: Age 16-21
Adjudicator: Anthony Galinier

1. Chris Robertson
2. Marija Novicane
3. Jonas Violet

Air Varie: Under 16
Adjudicator: Glyn Williams

1. Bethan Brown
2. Lina Van Lint
3. Simon Binon

Open Duets
Adjudicator: Glyn Williams

1. Boonyarit Kittaweepitak & Daniel Thomas
2. Patricia Woodings & Sheila Dixon
3. Owen & Marianne Garbutt

Duets: Age 12-16
Adjudicator: Glyn Williams

1. Leah Forsythe & Sam Brodison
2. Kathleen Woods & Robert Lambert
3. Margot & Matyn Binon

Duets: Under 11
Adjudicator: Glenn Van Looy

1. Taylor Roberts & Rowan Tjepkema
2. Thomas Lambert & Rowan Tjepkema
3. Holly Brook & Toby Brook

Open Quartet:
Adjudicator: Glyn Williams

1. EQ
2. 4 Part Harmony

Quartet: Age 12-16
Adjudicator: Anthony Galinier

1. Over Wyre Brass

Quartet: Age Under 11
Adjudicator: Anthony Galinier

1. Over Wyre Brass

Awards:

Besson International Award: Paul Bennett

Specially commissioned solo for winner of Slow Melody 11 & Under composed by Andrew Stevenson: Simon Binon

Most promising player, 16-21: Seth Livingstone
Most promising player, 16 & Under: Joe Heartfield
Most promising player, 11 & Under: Ruby Hawker
Youngest Player: Simon Binon

Most Outstanding Performance of the Day: EQ
Most Promising Local Player: Alex Flanders