Bolton Music Centre recently hosted four tutors from Foden’s Band to help the Bolton and Astley Youth Bands in their preparation for the forthcoming National Youth Brass Band Championships in April.

Foden's stars

Mark Wilkinson, Chris Haigh, Mark Bousie and Chris Bastock were joined by Bolton Head of Brass Helen Minshall and former Foden’s member Toby Hobson.

Helen told 4BR: "The day began with sectionals for Bolton Youth Brass Band, working on Goff Richards’s test piece ‘Oceans’, with Mark Bousie later leading a full rehearsal during which great progress was made.

The band is looking forward to the contest, and the workshop was really beneficial to the preparations."

The band is looking forward to the contest, and the workshop was really beneficial to the preparationsHelen Minshall

Huge challenge

In the afternoon, the tutors worked with Astley Youth Band playing the Goff Richards test piece ‘Saddleworth Festival Overture’.

Helen added: "With players as young as 8 years old, and an ability range of Grade 2 upwards, this piece is a huge challenge for the band, who won the award as ‘Band with the Most Potential’ at last year’s contest.

Again, the tutors worked really hard to help the youngsters achieve their very best."