*
banner

Rolfe and Iles claim Foden's awards

Andy Rolfe and Sam Iles take home the Bandsman of the Year and Player of the Year awards with the world's number 1 ranked band.

Awards
  Andy and Sam claimed the sought after awards this year

Foden's Band has made its annual presentation of awards at its recent patron's concert in Sandbach.

The awards are made each year by the world's number 1 ranked band to recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals to their ongoing musical success.

Bandsman of the Year

The 'Bandsman of the Year' award was presented to long serving cornet player and administrator Andy Rolfe, who as the band stated "…is a pivotal cog in all that goes on behind the scenes in the organisation at Foden's, none more so than his exceptional work co-ordinating our unforgettable first ever trip to South Korea in August."

Player of the Year

The 'Player of the Year' award voted by fellow players went to percussionist Sam Iles.

The band stated: "Throughout the last 12 months, Sam has showcased his multitude of skills with great aplomb; whether it be outstanding work on the competitive stages, taking the spotlight as one of our featured soloists at Brass in Concert — or providing 'purr-fect' cat impressions in his percussion feature 'Kitten on the Keys' in concerts!"

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    


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Newstead

Result: 2026 East Midlands March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 15 • Newstead Brass lead the march and hymn way to victory at a sunny Harborough.


wITHINGTON

Withington bows out with a Russian flourish

June 15 • The musical partnership between Allan Withington and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band came to an end in France with a memorable musical flourish.


Alison Childs

Dedicated Childs services marked by Black Dyke Band

June 15 • The recent Black Dyke Brass Festival marked the retirement of administrator Alison Childs.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


Tintwistle Band

June 15 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled!. As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


Cambrian Brass

June 14 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd