Foden’s Open Solo, Duet and Quartet competition 2018
Foden’s Band are delighted to announce details of their 8th Open Solo, Duet, and Quartet competition, on Saturday 3rd of November. The competition continues to grow in popularity, and Foden’s Band is very proud that it maintains its reputation as one of the best events of its kind in the country.
Held in the lovely Sandbach Boys School, three classes are run simultaneously in the great facilities of the Maxwell Davies Music Centre, and the Lonsdale Centre.
Once again Besson Musical Instruments are the main sponsors, with a spokesperson for the event commenting, “We are very grateful for Besson Musical Instruments’ continued support. We also have links with other musical organisations and individuals, enabling us to provide a wide range of trophies and prizes.
“This year we have 16 classes – from 11 & under, right through to the veteran’s class. There are prizes for the most outstanding cornet, horn, euph/bari, trombone and bass and, so that everyone has the opportunity to win these prizes, we rotate the age groups each year.”
Last year’s Open Solo champion, Paul Bennett, deservedly took the Blue Riband prize for the second time: an enviable achievement, playing a fiendishly difficult horn solo that seriously impressed Professor John Wallace, CBE, our Open adjudicator.
2017’s youngest competitor, Archie Pannell (pictured), was only 5 years old: cornet player Archie impressed everyone with his playing, and he delighted the audience by standing up and playing a reprise of his slow melody, accompanied by his dad, Tim. This year, the band is introducing an additional parent and child duet class, which will give family members the opportunity to perform together.
It is hoped that the Quartet classes will gain even more support this year, especially in the younger age groups. In the early 1900’s Foden’s had not one, but four quartets which were very successful. Foden’s recognise there is a lack of repertoire for younger quartets: the band’s talented solo horn player, and composer, Jonathan Bates, has agreed to compose a quartet for the winning quartet in the 11yrs and under age group. For the competition, the youngest age group will only be required to play 2 verses of any hymn from the famous ‘red hymn book’.
Lee Morris, of Creative Brass, will once again write a solo for the winner of the Bryan Tait Trophy in the 17 – 19 slow melody and, this year, Bryan’s son Phillip will present his dad’s trophy to the winner. Phillip, himself, is an exceptionally talented cornet player and musical director, and Bryan would be very proud of the fine musician Phillip has become.
With top class accompanists and adjudicators, who have a wealth of experience and knowledge, it is hoped that everyone enjoys and benefits from taking part in the competition.
Entry details via http://www.fodensband.co.uk/youth-band/solo-contest/
