With National Youth Brass Band Championship taking place in Manchester in April, Lions Youth Brass (above) has once again linked up with Foden’s stars to assist with their preparation, with a workshop supported by The Love Music Trust.

Saga of Tyrfing

Tutors Mark Bousie, Anna Hughes-Williams, Ian Raisbeck, Neil Raisbeck, Sarah Lenton, John Barber, Sam Minshall and Anthony Mann led the full day with section and full rehearsals on the exciting set work, ‘The Saga of Tyrfing’.

Demanding piece

A spokesperson told 4BR: “This demanding piece creates lots of challenges, none more so than the use of mutes, which everyone in the band needed to get used to using.

The Foden’s team worked the band very hard all morning to overcome lots of difficulties.”

New work

This year Lions have commissioned a new work entitled ‘Hustle’, by Ian Raisbeck, which will receive its premiere at the event, with Ian on hand to give vital insight into the piece to the eager young players.

The day came to a conclusion with the band having worked extremely hard in gaining lots musical tips from the Foden’s stars.

As well as directing the band I regard it as my responsibility to give my players the best musical tuition and experiences possibleMD, Nigel Birch

Best tuition

MD Nigel Birch told 4BR: “As well as directing the band I regard it as my responsibility to give my players the best musical tuition and experiences possible.

By bringing the members of Foden’s Band I believe I am fulfilling that. Also, the fact that we are based in the same town is a great community collaboration.”

Nigel also revealed that before the event the band will welcome Foden’s MD Mike Fowles to rehearsals.