*
banner

Wilkinson expertly Parrys banding assumptions

Foden's Band Manager Mark Wilkinson ensured there were no misconceptions about the plight of the banding world when he was recently interviewed on national radio.

fODE
  Mark Wilkinson was interviewed by Talkradio presenter Mike Parry

The plight of the brass band movement during the current Coronavirus pandemic in the UK continues to attract the attention of the national media, with Talkradio, the sister station to the popular Talksport station, the latest media outlet to provide a feature item.

Steered away

Presenter Mike Graham interviewed Mark Wilkinson, Band Manager and principal cornet of Foden's Band, who rather neatly steered him away from any notions of stereotype perceptions and misunderstandings about the challenges brass bands faced at the current time.

During the 10 minute feature interview, the presenter was obviously sympathetic to the plight of bands, although he was also rather misinformed in some of his off the cuff assumptions — quoting the figure of "400 alone apparently in Yorkshire".

He was keen however to say that he was a big fan and that he understood that, "it was crisis time in the brass band world"and that he thought there was "a silent, pretty huge majority of brass band fans in this country".

Actual

Mark was able to point out that the lack of rehearsals, concert appearances and the cost of making rehearsal rooms Covid-19 compliant had hit all bands hard and that the actual demographic of members, including his own, was not what Mike possibly perceived.

Optimistic

When asked when he thought Foden's would be back on the road, Mark gave an optimistic, but realistic assessment of "perhaps May"- but it may take them longer to get up to what Mike suggested was "a premier sound again"despite leading the way with their popular multi-media approach.

Mark was able to point out that the lack of rehearsals, concert appearances and the cost of making rehearsal rooms Covid-19 compliant had hit all bands hard4BR

Enjoy

The feature can be enjoyed on the programme at around 1.19 mins at: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/FMfcgxwKkbdkcqqHFFVVjNTzcCCxKbKl?projector=1

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    


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


EverReady

Enjoy Spring Festival highlights

June 4 • The British Open has produced a special YouTube feature capturing the highlights of the 2025 Spring Festival in Blackpool.


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


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Besses Boys' Band

June 4 • Besses Boys' Band (1st Section 2026) are looking for SOLO TROMBONE. Rehearsals Monday & Friday 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lady Wilton Hall, Manchester - Good links to M60 ring road and city centre. Fun band with good concert and social balance


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd