*
banner

Fodens fly partnership flag

Fodens and Armagh Old Boys Band recently teamed up again for a fantastic weekend of music making.

Fodens
 

As part of an ongoing partnership between Fodens (Richardson) and the Armagh Old Boys band, the North West regional champions descended on the Northern Irish town for the 7th consecutive year during the weekend of Friday 8th — Sunday 10th February.

Weekend start

The weekend started with tutorial sessions where brass players (and some non-brass players!) were put through their paces by members of the Fodens team that had flown over that morning.

The remaining Fodens team flew out to Belfast from Liverpool later that day for what was to be the first of 3 concerts that weekend.

These young people were a truly outstanding credit to their band and their parents. Throughout the rehearsal and the concert soloist performed with confidence and supported their friends and colleagues every step of the wayMark Wilkinson

Varied programme

Over the two gala concerts (Friday and Saturday) Fodens dazzled the audiences with a varied programme of music directed by Mike Fowles.

Music ranged from ‘Hora Staccato’ and ‘The Little Russian’ to ‘Laudate Dominum’, ‘Procession to the Minster’ and ‘Life Divine’. Soloist included Les Neish, Mark Wilkinson, Helen Fox, Mark Landon, Alan Wycherley, and Glyn Williams showcasing his immense talent with the recent commission ‘Grandfathers Clock.

Gala Concerts

However in between the two gala concerts, on Saturday afternoon, the Fodens band played a different role in accompanying over 30 young soloists and ensembles.

After a three-hour rehearsal with the young people, the afternoon concert started at 2pm and featured a huge range of abilities, styles and ages with some soloists not even into their teens. The young people were fantastic and despite the concert lasting 2½ hours (uninterrupted), the audience and band gave every soloist the encouragement and plaudits they deserved.

Outstanding credit

Principal Cornet Mrk Wilkinson told 4BR: "These young people were a truly outstanding credit to their band and their parents. Throughout the rehearsal and the concert soloist performed with confidence and supported their friends and colleagues every step of the way."

Fodens now look forward to the August’s summer school where eight of the Fodens team will be travelling, once more to Armagh for a week of tutoring and music making with musicians young and old.

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


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


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd