Following the announcement of the 2026 Area test-pieces, Foden's Band launched a new initiative giving performers from competing bands the opportunity of working with Musical Director Michael Fowles and players.

Over the past couple of weeks Mike, Mark Wilkinson, Gary Curtin, John Barber, Jonathan Bates and Andy Cattanach have held various sectional and workshop sessions on the Fourth to First Section set-works to over 100 performers.

As well as working on the test pieces, the sessions also covered various aspects of brass playing and score preparation.

Feedback

Speaking about the initiative Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "The overall feedback has been fantastic, and we're delighted that we've been able to give so many performers a heads-up well in advance of the contests.

It's been particularly great to welcome players travelling from as far as Weymouth and London for the sessions, with further dates to be announced for January."