In a new audience development initiative, Foden's Band will now offer free tickets to youngsters aged 16 and under to encourage them to become the next generation of brass band concert goers.

Future audiences

Speaking about the scheme which they see as vital to securing the future of brass band audiences throughout the UK, Band Manager Mark Wilkinson 4BR: "For over 15 years Foden's has been taking a proactive role in developing links to youth education.

We have our own Youth and Junior Bands, run the largest solo & ensemble competition of its kind in this country, and have initiated partnerships with a large number of local youth bands.

On top of this we also run a 'Foden's Outreach Programme' where we visit a trio of youth organisations outside our locality each year and we are a partner of the 'Love Music Trust' in Cheshire East.

We now want to take that involvement further and get youngsters even more enthused to come listen to the band in concert action — and we think the best way to do this is to offer the opportunity for free!"

Family aim

He added: "It's also an initiative aimed at families who can now afford to come to concerts by bringing as many free youngsters as they wish! It will be great to play to audiences full of new listeners."

Mark revealed that the first offer of free tickets will be at their forthcoming concert on 29th April at the RNCM in Manchester where the band will host the famous Wallace Collection ensemble headed by trumpet star John Wallace, as part of their recent successful Arts Council application.

We now want to take that involvement further and get youngsters even more enthused to come listen to the band in concert action — and we think the best way to do this is to offer the opportunity for free!Mark Wilkinson

Further information:

Further information on the concert can be found below, or by contacting Mark at: marklwilky@hotmail.com

http://www.fodensband.co.uk/about/news/fodens-and-the-wallace-collection-29th-april/