North-west Area champion Foden's recently came to Coleshill Town Hall in north-Warwickshire to give brass-band devotees the opportunity to sample the delights of their music making and entertainment talents.

Top class performance

A concert organiser told 4BR: "They produced a top-class programme of varied music and treated us to many amazing solos played by their virtuoso players. They gave so much inspiration to players and entertainment to everyone who attended."

That inspiration certainly paid off with the young players of Coleshill Youth Brass, as they showed that they can also entertain in splendid fashion by winning the Unregistered Section of the popular Battle of the Bands competition in Chesterfield.

Best soloist

Their talented flugel player Olivia Giffney (above) took the 'Best Soloist' prize in a themed set that focused on the British weather and the seasons — from 'Spring Song' and 'Summer Winds', through to Olivia's sparkling rendition of 'Autumn Leaves' and culminating with a dramatic performance of 'Let it Go' from the blockbuster film 'Frozen'.

Winning the contest for the third year in succession was just reward for the hard work the band has put in over the past few monthsConductor Stephen Fagg

Just reward

Conductor Stephen Fagg added: "Winning the contest for the third year in succession was just reward for the hard work the band has put in over the past few months.

Everything came together in the playing and this was noted in the adjudicator's remarks. Sandy Smith was really complimentary; especially playing his arrangement of 'Summer Winds'.

Coming first was fantastic, but for Olivia to win the soloist prize just topped it off! She gave a great performance so sensitively accompanied by the band."