Foden's Band recently worked in partnership with the charity, The Love Music Trust and big band singer Matthew Ford to offer young vocalists from the Cheshire East area the chance to develop their vocal and stage craft.

The project, supported by Arts Council England, also saw the youngsters aged 11-19 invited to perform in concert with the National Champion.

Stylistic approach

Each participant had earlier enjoyed an individual 20-minute masterclass session with Matt exploring the stylistic approach to Big Band and Swing singing on a selected song of their choice.

11 students were chosen to take part and worked through various repertoire and specially arranged songs exploring Matt's six 'key performance elements' which prepared them fully for their rehearsal with the band.

A week later the 'Sing Swing' vocalists took to the stage with Foden's at Congleton Town Hall with Matt acting as both guest artist and compere.

The development of their confidence, body language, musical phrasing and communication in such a short space of time was fantastic, and a huge credit to MattJohn Barber

Sing Swing

Speaking about the initiative, John Barber, Director of the Love Music Trust told 4BR: "'Sing Swing' has been a great success and has provided a wonderful musical opportunity for youngsters in Cheshire East.

The development of their confidence, body language, musical phrasing and communication in such a short space of time was fantastic, and a huge credit to Matt. The way he gets the message across, making the complex easy to understand and access was inspirational."

Real thrill

Adding their thanks, Foden's Mark Wilkinson added: "It is always great to work with Matt and Love Music Trust. It was a real thrill to work alongside them and especially the talented performers."