*
banner

Foden's stars lead Armagh Summer school

Star tutors from Foden's Band lead the musical way once again in Armagh.

Fodens
 

Star tutors from Foden's Band once again led the way for delegates at the 15th annual Armagh Old Boys' Summer School.

Enjoyable week

Richard Poole, Ian Raisbeck, Lesley Poole, Sarah Lenton, Mark Bousie, Shaun Farrington, Stewart Baglin, Anthony Mann and MD Michael Fowles were on hand throughout a highly enjoyable week to ensure that two full bands enjoyed plenty of expert advice and direction.

The Sterling Band, conducted by Mark Bousie, featured players up to Grade 5 standard, with the more advanced players joining the Sovereign Band rehearsals led by Michael Fowles.

Meeting the Music

The course began on the Monday night at the City of Armagh High School with a 'Meeting the Music' rehearsal for all players. This gave the opportunity to sight read the music for the course, catch up with friends and claim seating positions.

Tuesday saw the start of sectionals, full band rehearsals, warm-ups and master classes led by Ian Raisbeck and Mike Fowles, as well as a rather energetic morning aerobics session by Sarah Lenton.

Highlights

Throughout the week there were plenty of highlights to enjoy, with the annual 'Young Soloists Night', featuring 20 solos, duets and section ensembles (aided by the Foden's ensemble accompaniment) and the Friday lunchtime BBQ which also featured an equally tasty tutor's treat!

Throughout the week there were plenty of highlights to enjoy, with the annual 'Young Soloists Night', featuring 20 solos, duets and section ensembles4BR

Rousing finale

The Saturday night gala concert held at Armagh Presbyterian Church included the traditional course award ceremony, a brace of excellent performances by the Sterling and Sovereign Bands, and the rousing joint finale of 'Death or Glory', 'Little Hymn', 'Conquest of Paradise' and the course favourite 'Uptown Funk'.

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    


Simon Gresswell

Gresswell takes baton at Dronfield

June 9 • Simon Gresswell has been appointed the new MD at Dronfield Band.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

June 9 • Join presenter Martin Upfold for more great brass band music over the airwaves


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd