*
banner

Peter Bates gets his trainers out...

North West Area Brass Bands Association recently held a great training day for its bands, with help from Fodens stars.

Fodens
 

Last weekend the North West Brass Band Association held their first Training Day for member bands.

Over 60 players

The event was held at the Hollingworth Business & Enterprise College in Milnrow, Rochdale and was attending by over 60 players.

The event was staged free of charge to all the players for an event that was previously organised by the Manchester District of the NWABBA.

The tutors for the event came from the Foden's Band under the leadership of Mark WilkinsonOrganisers

Fodens tutors

The tutors for the event came from the Foden's Band under the leadership of Mark Wilkinson.

Mark put together a team comprising Natsumi Inaba, Simon Minshall, Les Neish, Lucy Pankhurst, Dave Wycherley, Alan Wycherley and Andy Rolfe.

Masterclass

At the start of the day all the players were given a masterclass and then split into two groups with the Improving Learners Group being taken for sectional rehearsals on 'English Folk Songs Suite' and the Intermediate Group having a full band rehearsal on 'The Three Musketeers'.

Performances

After lunch the two groups changed places and the whole event concluded with each group giving a performance of their chosen work to the assembled audience of players and supporters, followed by a massed performance of a hymn tune.

A new venture was the presentation of two seminars for band organisers at the same venue.

Fund Raising

Carole Crompton, Arts Officer for Bolsover Council and David Hirst gave clear guidance on making applications for the new Arts Council Grants for the Arts, highlighting the importance of involving the local Arts Officer who acts as the clearing house for grant applications and will be able to support and advise those making applications to the fund.

Being proactive

Meanwhile, Louise Renshaw of Macclesfield Youth Band gave an inspiring talk on the way that her band goes about putting their large organisation into the public eye.

The need to be proactive was highlighted by Louise's description of new initiatives her band have been involved in.

Excellent work

On behalf of the NWABBA the Chairman, Peter Bates, extended thanks to all the tutors for their excellent hard work throughout the day and also to member bands for supporting the event.

Many of those who attended expressed their thanks to the tutors and the Association for staging this event and said how much they had benefited from this experience and hoped another one would be held at some time in the future.

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    


Rodney Newton

80th birthday concert celebration for Newton

July 19 • Rodney Newton will enjoy a musical celebration of his birthday this weekend in Cambridge.


jhs instruments

JHS Ltd set to close

July 19 • The leading independent distributor and suppliers of Odyssey instrument brand set to close after 60 years of trading.


FodensLovatt

Lovatt joins Foden's for Regent Hall pre-National concert

July 19 • Trumpet star Mike Lovatt will reconnect with Foden's Band for their pre-National preview concert at Regent Hall.


Rooms for groups

Sold out signs up in Cheltenham

July 19 • Hotel demand from National qualifiers mean sold out signs are posted in Cheltenham.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Longridge Band

July 21 • Due to ill health, Longridge Band invite applications for a SOLO HORN. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. We rehearse 10 minutes from Jct 31A of the M6, on Wednesday and Friday evening


NORTH LAKES BRASS

July 20 • North Lakes Brass are seeking a CONDUCTOR with the drive to take our friendly band into the 2nd section. . We are different from most contesting bands as we rehearse just once a week (Wed), have 2 full band concerts & 4-5 contests per year.


Rushden Town Band

July 18 • Second Trombone vacancy. A friendly Midlands 1st Section Band, Rushden are looking for a Second Trombone player to come and join us. Great repertoire and concerts plus contests twice per year. Every other year, the band goes on tour.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd