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.