Sandbach Boys School was once again a vibrant hub of musical activity as National Champion, Foden's Band, hosted their annual Solo, Duet & Quartet Competition.

Now in its eighth year, the event continues to attract competitors from all around the country as well as Europe, with this year players from both Belgium and Norway taking part.

Support

With excellent facilities and support from Besson Musical Instruments and others, there was plenty of great music making to enjoy for the supportive audience and the star studded team of adjudicators consisting of Gary Curtain from Sterling Instruments, Jim Hayes from Geneva Instruments and Black Dyke trom star Dr Brett Baker.

There were plenty of great prizes on offer too, thanks to the support of Hercules (Strings & Things) and Gard Bags.

It was certainly an early start with players arriving to warm up and get ready for action — with the sound of brass heard in three performance rooms and six practice rooms from 8.00am onwards.

Exceptional standard

Once again the overall standard of playing was exceptionally high — from the brilliant youngsters in the under 11 class all the way up to the more seasoned performers in the 'Vintage' categories.

There was also an added incentive to the Blue Riband Open Air-Varie Class this year, with the winner, Robert Ernest not only claiming the prestigious title but also receiving an invitation from Kapitol Promotions to be a guest soloist at the 2019 National Finals in Cheltenham.

Inspiring day

A Foden's spokesperson told 4BR: "All in all another inspiring day watching talented musicians of all ages perform and develop, many at the beginning of their musical journey.

Enabling this legacy is core to Foden's Band, and something we are proud to continue. The addition of a new 'Parent & Child' duet class this year brought the competition to a heart-warming conclusion, and everyone left in great spirits, irrespective of their placing."

All in all another inspiring day watching talented musicians of all ages perform and develop, many at the beginning of their musical journeyFoden's Band

Results:

11 & Under Slow Melody:

1. Annie Stuart
2. India Harby
3. Florian Krogsaeter

12 & 13 Slow Melody:

1. Simon Binon
2. Edward Culpin
3. Bethany Harby

14 — 16 Slow Melody:

1. Luke Newborough
2. Jamie Reid
3. Alfie Bousfield

17 — 19 Slow Melody:

1. James Nash
2. Lina Van Lint
3. Margot Binon

Vintage Slow Melody:

1. Tim Galloway
2. Dennis Vork
3. Andrew Blackledge

Open Slow Melody:

1. Robert Ernest
2. James Nash
3. Dennis Vork

Under 16 Air Varie:

1. Simon Binon
2. Matthias Debrabandere
3. Edward Culpin

16 — 21 Air Varie:

1. James Nash
2. Lynne Van de Venne
3. Vito De Coster

Vintage Air Varie:

1. Andrew Blackledge
2. Tim Galloway
3. Patricia Woodings

Open Air Varie:

1. Robert Ernest
2. Tim Pannell
3. James Nash

12 — 16 Duet:

1. Simon & Martijn Binon
2. Emil & Florian Krogsaeter
3= Hannah Taylor & Bethany Harby, Annie & Amelia Stuart

Special Awards:

Blue Riband Award: Robert Ernest
Most Outstanding Performance of the Day: Mago Ghent Brass
Most Promising Local Player: Hannah Taylor
Most Promising Local Player: India Harby
Most Outstanding Cornet: James Nash
Most Outstanding Horn: Lina Van Lint
Most Outstanding Euph/Bari: Edward Culpin
Most Outstanding Trombone: Jamie Reid
Most Outstanding Bass: Emil Krogsaeter
Youngest Player: Archie Pannell