*
banner

Foden's welcome Swiss principal

The departure of cornet player Andrew Stevenson to the RAF, sees Foden's gain a Swiss replacement.

Fodens
 

Following their recent critically acclaimed performance alongside the Halle Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, Foden's has announced the departure of cornet player Andrew Stevenson, who leaves to commence a career in the Royal Air Force.

Fitting way

Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "It was a fitting way for Andrew to leave — on a real high with a band he has been such a popular member of over the last three years whilst being a student at the Royal Northern College of Music."

During his time with the Sandbach band Andrew has also made a name for himself as a talented composer, working alongside Foden's on a number of recordings of his works. Andrew will however continue his association as Composer in Residence with the Foden's Youth Band.

Swiss replacement

The band has also acted quickly to sign a replacement, with Kathleen Gaspoz coming in on the solo cornet bench.

Kathleen is a former principal cornet with the European Youth Band and National Youth Band of Switzerland and joins from the Valaisia Band, the 2013 Swiss Open Champion.

When we knew Kathleen would be moving to England to study for a Masters in Performance at the RNCM we were delighted that she choose to join Foden'sMark Wilkinson.

Delighted

Speaking about the signing Mark Wilkinson added: "Kathleen is regarded as one of the leading cornet players in Switzerland and is a former triple Swiss cornet champion.

When we knew Kathleen would be moving to England to study for a Masters in Performance at the RNCM we were delighted that she choose to join Foden's.

She is a very accomplished all round player and will be an excellent addition to the band."

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    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd