The Newsletter of the Foden s Band Patrons Association. January

Transcription

1 The Newsletter of the Foden s Band Patrons Association January 2015

2 Welcome Mark Wilkinson Principal Cornet Dear Friends On behalf of all at Foden's I hope you had a great Christmas and send our best wishes for Welcome to the January 'Foden's Fanfare', as always we have tried to make the magazine as interesting as possible including news from 2014 as well as outlining some plans and forthcoming events in was a busy year for the band with 101 rehearsals, 37 concerts, 5 contests, 3 CD recordings and 7 coaching days (not including our work with Foden's Youth). We were very pleased to have launched our composers competition receiving a total of 46 entries. Following on from this, a leading UK rival Brass Band as well as University also ran a competition using exactly the same format as ours, nice to be copied!!!! We hosted an International Conductors School in Sandbach led by Allan Withington as well as appearing in concert with a pop group who are signed with a major UK record label. Our self promotional concert in Manchester Cathedral was a huge success and we became record breakers by winning every single contest on the Tameside Whit Friday March Contest (the first time in over 130 years). The film 'Brass in the Blood', tracing the history of the band, moved up a gear with both the Youth Band and ourselves filming some action shots and finally we were privileged to appear in concerts at the RNCM, Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow and the Barbican in London performing a new work 'A Child Like You' from the pen of Andy Scott featuring the band, narration from Foden s Youth Band members along with a vocalist and harpist. All in all an enjoyable, interesting and varied year is looking like it will be another exciting year for the band with a number of high profile concerts confirmed as well as some possible overseas trips and CD plans. All at Foden's are extremely proud of our Patrons Association and it is with this in mind that I come asking for your help. In order to increase membership and make the society more beneficial to our members I would like your feedback about what you find good and not so good about the society, ways we can improve, ideas to attract more membership and support for the residents of Sandbach and Cheshire, is it good value for money (we have not increased subscription costs this year). As an organisation we are always looking for feedback about ways in which we can improve and become more efficient but do not always receive responses from our Patrons. Please let us know about what you like (and don't like) about our concerts, venue feedback, disabled access, programme choices etc. We are your band and will listen to all feedback taking any action where appropriate. Also if any Patron would like to help the band in any way please let me know. Thank you again for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the Patrons concert.

3 Presidents Chris Finnegan Vice-President One of my resolutions for 2014 was to give the band some practical help. I have tried to help with the transport, delivering the van to and collecting it from the bandroom and sometimes taking all the equipment through to the concert venues. Sounds easy enough but it also makes you appreciate how much time and effort takes place behind the scenes. For example the band were engaged by one of our Partners, East Cheshire Council, to play at an open air service to commemorate World War I. The service was to take place in the grounds of the Old Hall, Tatton Park. The request was that 10 members of the band accompanied the service at 3.00 pm and then after a short interval at around 5pm the full band would perform a concert of WWI tunes plus items from the normal concert repertoire. The instructions were to be there with all equipment by 1.30 ahead of the invited dignitaries. We loaded in Sandbach at midday so easily made the target time for arrival. However, we were not permitted to take the van close to the stage as the ground was very soft so all the equipment, percussions, music stands and 26 stage jackets had to be man handled across 50 metres of manicured lawn and needless to say back again after the concert. In the end we got back to the bandroom at 7.30 pm for unloading and were on our way home by 8pm. A long day for a local concert but the consolation was that it was a memorable service and great concert, all much appreciated by the audience. Now contrast that Civic concert, with one which took place in November. This time the venue was Kendal, so most of the band personnel and equipment travelled to Cumbria by Bullock s coach. This concert was different, Foden s had been invited to play with British Sea Power, an Indie rock band. BSP had devised a show entitled Sea of Brass and were touring the UK with this and linking in to a select number of brass bands area by area. The venue in Kendal was called the Factory and in a previous life had been a carpet manufacturing mill. The site was being redeveloped to create individual craft/artist s studios and a new concert venue. The scene was reminiscent of a 1990 s illegal rave, all bare walls and concrete floor. This was to be the first concert held there. The white washed walls had only just been finished. What passed as a car park was a sea of mud. There was one way in and one way out for the coach. Dry Ice was not needed to create an atmosphere, it was so cold everyone s breathe turned to mist as they spoke. The two bands started to rehearse together at around 3.45p.m and then all (or most) of the short comings were forgiven. To use that overrated word the sound was awesome. In the evening the concert played to a standing crowd of approximately 1000 and judging by all the comments on social media- a good time was had by all. It was 4.15 am on Sunday morning before the band was back in Sandbach, with a contest rehearsal scheduled for 1pm! phew we need to join a Union. We would love to see you at any of our concerts and thank you to all the Patrons for your support. Kind regards to you all.

4 Musical Director Michael Fowles Musical Director Well yet again the band has had a hectic year with rehearsals, concerts, contests and recordings. It never ceases to amaze me as to the level of dedication shown by everyone connected with Foden's Band all with the aim of upholding and enhancing the fine history and heritage of our band. The standard of performance in our concerts has been incredibly consistent whilst the diversity of repertoire tackled has been staggering. On the contest platform the standard of performance has been very high and at the National Finals in October, exceptional. A particularly consistent night at the Whit Friday Marches delivered an unprecedented clean sweep of 11 wins at all of the 11 contests. Once again the band has been busy in the recording studio. We welcomed back Howard Snell to conduct a CD of his arrangements and compositions on We Meet Again and John Barber gave a clear demonstration of his outstanding musicianship as trombonist, pianist and composer on Barber. I spoke earlier about the band s history and heritage and it was this that sparked the idea for the format of the latest volume in the Patrons Choice series different snapshots in time at Foden's Band to hear music written by it s conductors or creative partners, coupled with a Solo Showcase 2015 of the band s current principals. The Early Years features a march by William Rimmer (Foden's first MD) and an arrangement of Weber s stunning overture Der Freischutz by William Halliwell, while The Howard Snell Years are represented by Les Soirees Musicales four short character pieces by Rossini recorded by brass band for the first time. The band has always been forward thinking and the recent competition for composers reflects this perfectly Into the Future presents the winning composition by Andrew Baker. His Atrium Phase is an intriguing piece that places the listener in the centre of four chamber groups in the corners of an atrium and the sound effects this might create. Finally The Present Age features an arrangement by yours truly of a quirky march, a Turkish dance by Composer-in-Residence Andy Scott and an extended work by Musical Associate Peter Meechan. His cinematic piece Fragile Oasis is a series of musical pictures inspired by different views of the Earth from video footage taken from the International Space Station. Due for release at the February Patrons Concert I hope you will enjoy it as much as the previous volumes in the series happy listening!

5 Player Focus Michael Warriner 2nd Baritone Tell us a little about your background as a Musician. Well I've always played Baritone. I went down to the Besses Boys organisation when I was about 7 as both my older brothers had been part of that organisation and fortunately at my school Canon Slade in Bolton they had a decent brass band so it was easy to keep enthusiastic about playing. I never really had a regular brass teacher as such but I had occasional lessons with Ian Peters and Graham McEvoy who helped me immensely. How did you come to join Foden's? Tim Bateman who played Bass Trombone with the band back in 2002 passed on my name to the committee. We had both played together at Freckleton Band. I came down for the audition and that was that, I've been here ever since and it been fantastic What is your favourite part of playing for Foden's Band? I love playing in the big contests, The British Open of which I m fortunate enough like a few others in the band to have had three victories, and The National Finals as well. Although I m not a fan of Brass in Concert, I can recall us winning it back in Also, I have met a lot of great people in my time at the band and that i have met through the band that I m lucky enough to be friends with. What have been the highlights of your musical career so far? Obviously its hard to look beyond the double success in It was a fantastic achievement which probably still hasn't sunk in to be honest. Away from Foden s, I tutor at The Wessex Summer School and this year was my 25th consecutive course. I was lucky enough to be presented with an award for that achievement, it was a very humbling moment. I will never forget my first contest victory, winning the 4th section National Finals back in 1992 with Eatons Farnworth Band (now Farnworth and Walkden Band), a lot of those players are still there now and I m still very much in contact with, and of course I met my girlfriend through Foden s, she plays Repiano cornet in the band. Do you have any aspirations for the future? I ve always wanted to go to Cuba, just go sitting on the beach and drinking Mojitos. That would be heaven. I d love to go to Australia as well. As far as Foden s is concerned, I just hope that whenever I eventually leave the band that they will still very much be one of the leading bands. What does your day-to-day job involve? I fit windows for a living, so playing in a brass band is very much a hobby to me. I m self employed which makes it easy to work around band which is just as well as its a 140 mile round trip. What do you enjoy doing when you have time off work and band? When I m away from band I spend most of my time with my girlfriend Mel, she lives in Shropshire so I tend to head down to hers straight after Thursday night rehearsals. I occasionally head over to watch my football team, Bolton Wanderers which sadly has been a bit of a chore for the last four or five years although things are slowly picking up as we speak. Banding very much eats up my time meaning I don t go as much I would like.

6 Community Ian Raisbeck 2nd Cornet As ever, the band enjoys a wide variety of activities outside of the usual concerts and competitions. In November 11 players from the band performed a recital at the Sandbach Concert Series. This is the second time such an opportunity has been given to us and we are always delighted to perform at the event which is organised by our Composer-in-Residence Andy Scott and his wife. I often talk in this column about the various work which goes on with other brass organisations. During the summer months many Foden's players and conductors represent the band and share expertise at various summer schools; and at other times of the year groups of Foden's tutors travel to support others through masterclasses and workshops. Once such example was held in Barrow, Cumbria in November where over 60 young musicians were involved in a workshop day with Foden's tutors. The event ended with a showcase performance by the Foden's players before the full workshop band performed in front of a large and appreciative audience. Meanwhile for our own Foden's Youth Band, we are now into our third year and continue to develop the project by creating new opportunities for the young musicians involved. In October, the Youth Band took part in a 'Night at the Movies' concert in Sandbach. The evening was designed to facilitate the filming of some scenes for the forthcoming 'Brass in the Blood' film which is based around the heritage of Foden's Band and features our Youth Band. During the afternoon, Foden's Youth Band had recorded part of the soundtrack before rehearsing for the concert and filming. This was followed a month later by a performance at Manchester Cathedral alongside Foden's and star Trumpet soloist Jens Lindemann. The highlight of the evening was a stunning duet between Jens, and Youth Band Flugel player Alex Flanders. Foden's Youth Band remains open to Brass / Percussion players of Grade 5 standard or higher. See our pages at fodensband.co.uk for more info. In 2015, Foden's look forward to another successful year, sharing our passion for music making wherever possible. One of the most important dates in our diary occurs in April, where we are immensely proud to lead the Sandbach Transport Parade which celebrates Sandbach's rich history in the industry, and became the reason for our Band.

7 Review Autumn Contests Ian Raisbeck 2nd Cornet British Open During the last 2 weeks of August the band traditionally return from a well-earned break to prepare for possibly the most prestigious of contests, The British Open. The event held at Symphony Hall Birmingham invites the 20 best bands to compete against each other for the title British Open Champion and the famous shield last won by Foden s in This year s test piece Vita Aeterna Variations by Alexander Comitas was a popular choice and the hall was sold out with 2000 spectators watching on. Foden s performance was awarded 4 th place, an excellent return on a fantastic performance. Congratulations go to our friends at Black Dyke Band who won the contest. The following day we were once again featured on the Symphony Hall stage in a gala concert alongside Black Dyke and Cory Band. National Finals Just one month later the National Finals take place at London s Royal Albert Hall. In order to qualify for the finals, bands must compete and qualify from their regional contest held in March. Again, Foden s last won the national finals in 2012 completing a rare double. This time around the test piece was The Legend of King Arthur composed by Peter Meechan, a musical associate of Foden s Band. The band produced a stunning performance under Musical Director Allan Withington which resulted in a rousing ovation at the completion of the last note. The adjudicators on the day awarded the performance 7 th place, despite many in the hall believing it to be worthy of much higher praise. Once again, our congratulations go to Black Dyke Band, who by winning the national final have repeated our own double success of 2012.

8 Review Solo Contest Fiona Rolfe Solo Contest Administrator Foden s 4th Solo, Duet & Quartet Competition again showed that it is one of the best in the country. As well as entries from all over England and Wales, we were delighted to welcome competitors from as far afield as Belgium and Norway. And it was well worth the visit for our friends from overseas as they were able to take back an impressive haul of silverware! We were privileged to have adjudicators from Belgium, Paris, England and Wales, once again courtesy of Besson and Foden s Band. With 5 top class accompanists, a lovely venue at Sandbach Boys School, a host of trade stands, and some top nosh from our Foden s refreshment gang, the day was a great success! It was wonderful to see and hear players who have returned each year, and also to see many new faces. Many friendships have been struck as a result of the competition, and the response from those who attended, especially those who have competed for the first time, confirms that the competition continues to be friendly, relaxed, well-organised and a must for anyone s comping calendar! With 19 classes, and a new Veteran s class for next year, it s a monumental task for all involved. Our thanks to Besson and Audi of Macclesfield for their continuing support and without whom, the competition would not benefit players half as much. We continue to award Besson and Audi bursaries to further the musical development of prize winners across various different classes. Of course, the blue-ribbon award has to be the Open Solo prize; as his prize, Paul Bennett, solo horn from Fairey Band, will travel to the USA to play with the famous James Gourlay and the River City Brass Band as their guest soloist! Here s to an equally successful 5th competition on the 31st October 2015!

9 Review Manchester Cathedral Mark Wilkinson Principal Cornet On Saturday 29th November Foden's held their annual self promotional concert at Manchester Cathedral. Following on from the same successful format in 2012, when we promoted a concert in the same venue, Foden's invited our fantastic Youth Band, Trumpet Soloist and Vice President Jens Lindemann (who flew in especially from Canada for the concert) as well as the world famous Halifax Choral Society (the countries oldest Society) to be our guests. The guest conductor for the evening was the highly respected John Pryce-Jones, who as well as being the Musical Director of the Choral Society, is in demand in this country and abroad conducting the leading Orchestra's, Choral Societies as well as National Opera and Ballet. John also has a respected history conducting brass bands being the previous MD of the 'Yorkshire Imperial Band' with whom he won the British Open in 1980 Foden's Band commenced the concert with Philip Littlemore's arrangement of 'King's Herald' from Herbert Howells' 'Pageantry', followed by Weber's romantic overture, 'Der Freischütz', that was subsequently recorded on the bands Patron's Choice CD the following weekend. Following the bands impressive opening Jens Lindemann took to the stage to perform the European Premier of Dr Pete Meechan's, 'Orpheus' Trumpet Concerto. Orpheus is an immensely engaging character of Greek mythology, the beauty of his songs able to subdue wild beasts and charm inanimate objects (although he came to a sticky end by the hands of some rather tetchy ladies), and the three movement work certainly captured the curious nature of his power as well as his demons. As always Jens was on fantastic form and receive rapturous applause from the 400 strong audience which resulted in an encore of the Queen hit 'Who Wants to Live Forever.' The Stage was then handed over to the Foden's Youth Band who delighted the audience with an entertaining set of music comprising of Momentum, Canterbury Chorale, The Circle of Life and Batman the Movie. The band which comprising over 60 musicians were on great form as usual and certainly enjoyed performing in such a prestigious venue. A particular highlight of the Youth set was the duet 'Children of Sanchez' that featured Jens as well as Youth Band Flugel Horn player Alex Flanders. After the interval it was back to Foden's who performed a light set of 'Les Soirees Musicales' by Rossini arranged by Howard Snell, comprising of Fanfare, Canzonetta and Tarantella before band joined forces with the 100 strong voices in the Halifax Choral Society. The opening combined number was 'Zadok the Priest' with band and voices combining with great balance and artistry. Next it was John Rutter's 'Gloria' for choir, octet, organist and three soloists. The organist was from Manchester Cathedral and the 3 soloists provided by Chethams School of Music. A reviewer from an online magazine wrote 'This really was terrific stuff, with the choral society singing with deft, crisp diction and a brilliant range of power and dynamics, whilst the brass and percussion added a thrilling capstone.' To round off an enjoyable and successful concert the audience were treated to 'You'll Never Walk Alone.'

10 Heritage Stuart Green Band Historian The Lyceum in Crewe has had a number of Brass Band s visiting the venue recently as have a number of local venues and it was a mystery why the Foden s Band had not been asked to appear on the stage in Crewe as they have a wonderful and unique connection to the theatre. In fact while writing this article I have remembered another connection, ME! I started compiling histories of the theatre with the Sandbach Players and then the whole history of the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe including compiling a list of all the shows with as many names of the performers as possible and although at the time of starting the project in 1992 I was not involved with the Foden s Band. I did have a sense of pride when the name Foden's appeared at the theatre and when it dawned on me while preparing to celebrate the buildings 100 th anniversary in 2011 that the Band is the only performer still performing that has played at both the first purpose built theatre in Crewe, and the new building which was constructed after a fire in Yes I know technically there are no members of the original line up but then the same could be said of the Drifters and they still perform in theatres all over the UK and USA. Foden's connection to the theatre starts on Sunday the 19 th September 1909, when they made their debut on the Lyceum stage. A picture in the Crewe Chronicle announces that the band had been the winners of the Belle Vue September Contest 1909 and gives a list of the members of the band who will perform at the theatre. The band performed twice that day at 3.30pm and 8pm with Ted Foden paying for the venue and band conductor Edward Wormald leading the band with Edwin Firth on Cornet. This was their one and only appearance at the 2 nd theatre as disaster struck the building on the 10 March 1910 when it was thought a member of the Pantomime cast of Dick Whittington left a cigarette burning in the dressing room of the theatre under the stage and the whole building went up in flames after the butt fell onto a costume basket. By the 4 th of September 1911 a new theatre had been constructed on the site of the original building and after a few performances of plays, Foden's were again asked to perform at the theatre. This time things were slightly different as they were asked to help fund the local Crewe Cottage Hospital with their concert conducted by William Halliwell in charge of the baton on the 15 th October More concerts followed in 1912 with singers joining the band and on the 6 October 1912 a Mr George Hinkinson played Solo Trombone with the band in his new uniform in the Prussian style that by 1914 was thought inappropriate under the circumstances as it had German connections and was itself replaced.

11 In 1914 the country had gone to war with Germany and many of the men in the band wanted to sign up to take part in the fight for good. 25 year old Edwin had married Edwin Foden s grand-daughter Doris Twemlow in 1916 and so decided to stay at home until in 1917 when he finally made the decision to join up rather than work in the factory. At first Edwin was allowed home at the weekends to play with the band and to see his wife but this concert at the Lyceum proved to be his last known appearance with the band before being deployed for what turned out to be his last battle. In February 1918 his company were posted to France where at a place called Varennes in North West of Amiens on the 1 June 1918 he was returning to the British trenches when a shell exploded just outside some woods, killing Edwin and his party, he was only 29 Year s old. The band returned to the Lyceum on the 15 December 1918 with a heavy heart having lost one of their own so close to the end of the conflict. On the 21 October 1921 a new experience for the band. They were part of a play called Royal Divorce by W. G. Wills which included Mr G Raymond Wallace and Miss Murial Monteath in the cast alongside the Foden Motor Works Band who performed for one night only (the play ran for a week at Crewe). On the 8 th March the band played another charity concert at Crewe, this time to raise funds for the Wheelock Heath Silver Prize Band to buy new instruments and uniforms. The band also had a new conductor, one Fred Mortimer who had made his debut in Hanley on the 11 January Yearly concerts (or one concert in February and one in November) followed for a few years until 1935 with each year bringing a trophy to the stage in celebration of the bands achievements. On the 10 th February 1935 the band were asked to help raise funds for the local football team called Crewe Alexandra with the band on a 50/50 contact raising 10 for themselves and 10 for the Football players. The Second World War only had one performance at the Crewe New Theatre on the 26 September 1943 with a special Battle of Britain show on the 19 th September 1948 being the last performance by the band until the late 1960 s when Brass Bands again became popular on the stage. By the 14 November 1966 Rex Mortimer had taken over from his father to conduct the band on the Crewe stage. There followed a number of regular concerts at the theatre alongside featured artists and guests including on the 19 January 1968 Walter Illingworth (Xylophone) playing Czardas by Monti. On the 14 November 1971 and the 25 August 1974 the band were joined by the Crewe and District Male Voice Choir who were not only regulars at the Crewe Theatre but also with the Foden s Band at local concerts. On the 17 August 1975 Rex Mortimer came out of retirement for one special concert at the theatre under the title Sounding Brass and Voices, again with the Crewe and District Male Voice Choir who were booked to raise money for the Crewe Lions Club. After 36 shows at the Crewe Lyceum that was the final concert at the venue for the band. That is until the 21 st June 2015 when once again the theatre will hear another wonderful performance from Foden s Band.

12 Merchandise Offers for Patrons of Foden s Band A World Within The music of Andy Scott British Bandsman Magazine CD of the Year 2010 Now just 5 Masquerade and Rococo Variations 2 highly acclaimed recordings Combined price now just 20 Get these and more offers via fodensband.co.uk

13 Patrons Association Renew or sign up today The Patrons Association was formed to generate interest in the band and brass music in general. The band is totally self supporting and the patrons society is an important revenue stream that allows the band to exist. Members are asked to make a minimum donation of 20 (pro-rata for new members joining before the February renewal date). For this donation they will receive Foden s Fanfare magazine (two issues per year). This magazine keeps you up to date with Concert Dates/venues and other interesting articles about band members and other band related subjects. Two free tickets to the Patrons Concert held each year in the band s home town of Sandbach. The only means of entry to this concert is with these tickets or if a Patron is unable to attend the concert they have a choice of a free CD from an approved list. Discount on CD s. We also offer the option of Lifetime Patronage for a minimum donation of 200. If you wish to become a member of the Patrons Association please complete the form below and send your donation to: Foden s Band Patrons Association, 7 Narbonne Avenue, Ellesmere Park, M30 9DL for enquiries fodensband@coldmoss.co.uk Cash or cheques made payable to Foden Band Donation Amount.. Gift Aid: Y / N Use Gift Aid and you can make your donation worth more. For every pound you donate, we get an extra 25 pence from the Inland Revenue. Just select Y. To qualify for Gift Aid, what you pay in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax must at least equal the amount we will claim in the tax year. Name. Address Post Code. Telephone.. Recommended by..

14 Your Feedback An opportunity to shape our band... Patrons CD February sees the release of our 8th Patrons Choice CD. The concept of the first was born through a survey of our loyal patrons who recommended pieces they would like to hear recorded. Ever since, an annual CD of music performed by the band, often requested by individuals, has been recorded under the title Patrons Choice. The collection has been a huge success and we would like to give you, our supporters, more opportunities to request your favourite pieces. Requests can be made by contacting Mark Wilkinson on or by ing marklwilky@hotmail.com Concerts and Communication We are also keen to get feedback on any other areas you may have opinions on. Have you been to a recent Foden s Concert? Do you follow the bands online presence via social media or updates? Do you read about the band via third parties (local press, brass band media)? If you have any opinions on the above, or anything else, please do get in touch.

15 Forthcoming Events Mark Wilkinson Principal Cornet As can been seen the bands concert diary for 2015 is quickly taking shape and we are predicting another busy and exciting concert schedule. We return to the RNCM Festival of Brass in 2015 to be conducted by Michael Fowles and Bramwell Tovey where we will feature guest soloist Mark O'Keefe (Principal Trumpet with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra) who will perform a new concerto from the pen of Bram Tovey. We will also record a number of compositions by Bram, as well as the concerto, at a closed CD session the following day. On the 22nd February we will host an 'Area Test Piece Preview' where Foden's and a number of local bands will perform the 'Test Piece' that they will perform the following week at the North West Area Brass Band Competition. This is the fist time we will have hosted an event like this and we hope it will be beneficial to the bands performing the test pieces who will also be receiving some guidance after their performance which will hopefully improve their chances at the contest. We make a welcome return to Sandbach Town Hall on the 23rd April for the 1st of 3 concerts to be held per year at this venue where we will perform a 'Themed Programme' (this date is St George's Day which will be an English Themed Concert). Audience members will also be able to submit requests at this concert for the following concert. With concerts at the Crewe Lyceum as well as Sandbach Girls School for a charity concert we will once again be looking forward to performing on home soil. We have some exciting CD plans (which includes recording with a well known Rock group) and some high profile concerts waiting to be confirmed. Please remember details on the below as well as how to purchase tickets etc. can be viewed on our website or by contacting me. 7/1/15 Festival Drayton Centre, Shropshire 7.30pm 24/1/15 RNCM 7.30pm 25/1/15 CD recording closed session 6/7/8 Feb Armagh 14/2/15 Private Wedding 17/2/15 Patrons Concert, Sandbach School 7:30pm 22/2/15 Area Preview, Sandbach School 7pm 1/3/15 Area Contest, Blackpool all day 19/4/15 Sandbach Transport Parade 23/4/15 Sandbach Town Hall 7.30pm 25/4/15 Morley Town Hall 7.30pm 23/5/15 Sandbach Girls School 7.30pm 29/5/15 Whit Friday all day 4/6/15 Congleton Town Hall 7.30pm 21/6/15 Crewe Lyceum 7.30pm 27/6/15 Prescott Parish School 7pm 2/7/15 Sandbach School 8pm 4/7/15 Sandbach Park 8pm 16/8/15 Gawsworth Hall 7pm 5/9/15 British Open, Birmingham all day 6/9/15 Symphony Hall, Birmingham 2pm 17/10/15 Brindley Theatre, Runcorn 7.30pm 25/10/15 The Forum, Barrow 2pm 15/11/15 BIC Contest, The Sage, Gateshead 13/12/15 Sandbach School 7.30pm

16 @fodensyouth Fanfare magazine: January 2015 Band photography courtesy of Ian Clowes, Goldy Solutions Ltd. Search Foden s Band & Foden s Youth Foden s Band in partnership with: