Foden's Band welcomed over 100 entries from all over the world to their recent 7th Solo, Duet & Quartet event.

The high class competition was enjoyed not just by the international panel of adjudicators, but also a keen and supportive audience, with the excellent facilities and slick organisation making for a hugely enjoyable day of music making.

Remarkable performances

Once again the judges had a difficult task of picking out the winners, with remarkable performances in every section. Prof. John Wallace CBE, Dewi Griffiths and Brian Kingsley later said that they were immensely impressed by what they had heard.

Although the event continues to feature many regular competitors, it also attracts new players both young and old from all corners of the banding globe. The various accents may have sounded a touch unfamiliar at the refreshments table, but the international language of music making was familiar to all.

Despite unavoidable clashes with the Dutch National Championship and the Rochdale contest meaning some regular players could not attend this year, there were still no less than thirteen classes of solos, duets and quartets — with three running simultaneously.

Young star

The youngest competitor was 5 year old Archie Pannell, who certainly showed that he was a future star of the banding movement in a wonderful '11 & Under' class that was won in splendid fashion by Aidan Grant.

However, Archie not only claimed the 'Youngest Player of the Day' award but came third overall, whilst the video of his performance soon went 'viral' on internet.

Blue Riband

Meanwhile, at the other end of the age scale there was an outstanding battle for the Blue Riband 'Open Air-Varie' accolade, with Paul Bennett successfully reclaiming the title with a performance of the 'Finale' from the Haydn 'Cello Concerto' that was summed up in one word on his written remarks by Prof John Wallace as 'Astonishing'.

It rounded off a busy day for the horn star as he competed in four sections. The prize will see Paul undertake an exciting international musical opportunity in 2018 courtesy of sponsor Besson Musical Instruments.

Emerging talent

Elsewhere it was great to see the emerging playing talent on show in the other solo classes, with winners Isaac Bousfield, Grace Hancock, Lewis Barton, Margot Binon and Jack Lythaby taking awards, whilst Ilse Degeest, Simon and Martijn Binon claimed titles in the duet classes.

The experienced Tim Pannell and Iain Fleming, who came down from Scotland to take part, also ended the day with deserved victory laurels, with the In Slide Out quartet also enjoying their moment in the spotlight.

The youngest competitor was 5 year old Archie Pannell, who certainly showed that he was a future star of the banding movement in a wonderful '11 & Under' class that was won in splendid fashion by Aidan Grant4BR

Results:

11 & Under Slow Melody:

1. Aidan Grant
2. Annie Stuart
3. Archie Pannell

12 & 13 Slow Melody:

1. Isaac Bousfield
2. Lewis Barton
3. Frederik Engelson

14 — 16 Slow Melody:

1. Grace Hancock
2. Alfie Bousfield
3. Martijn Binon

17 — 19 Slow Melody:

1. Margot Binon
2. Megan Bousfield
3. Jack Lythaby

Vintage Slow Melody:

1. Paul Bennett
2. Tim Galloway
3. Iain Fleming

Open Slow Melody:

1. Tim Pannell
2. Paul Bennett
3. Lorenz Havermans

Under 16 Air Varie:

1. Lewis Barton
2. Isaac Bousfield
3. Oliver Marshall

16 — 21 Air Varie:

1. Jack Lythaby
2. Megan Bousfield
3. Catherine Flanders

Vintage Air Varie:

1. Iain Fleming
2. Paul Bennett
3. Patricia Woodings

Open Air Varie:

1. Paul Bennett
2. Tim Pannell
3. Lorenz Havermans

12 — 16 Duet:

1. Simon & Martijn Binon
2. Oliver & Toby Marshall
3. Hannah Taylor & Bethany Harby

Open Duet:

1. Martijn Binon & Ilse Degeest
2. Jo Ainsworth & Jack Lythaby
3. Stephen Lomas & Daniel Brook

Open Quartet:

1. In Slide Out

Awards:

Overall Most Outstanding Performance: Isaac Bousfield
Most Promising Local Player: Catherine Flanders
Most Promising Player 11 & Under: Aidan Grant
Most Outstanding Cornet: Tim Pannell
Most Outstanding Horn: Jack Lythaby
Most Outstanding Euph/Bari: Lorenz Havermans
Most Outstanding Trombone: Isaac Bousfield
Most Outstanding Bass: James Hawkins
Youngest Player: Archie Pannel