The first rehearsal of the newly formed Fodens Youth Band will take place on Sunday 30th September in Sandbach.
Overwhelmed
The band has been overwhelmed with applications over the past couple of months and 60 successful applicants will come together for the first rehearsal.
It was also confirmed that Foden’s young cornet player Andrew Stephenson who is a student at the RNCM will be the new band’s Composer-in-Residence.”
Commitment
A spokesperson told 4BR: "The new band forms part of Foden’s continued commitment to youth development. Meanwhile the appointment of Andrew is very exciting as he is quickly establishing a growing reputation, receiving commissions from festivals for a variety of ensembles.
The first performance will take place on November 3rd following the popular Foden’s Solo Contest."
Solo Contest
Last year that event attracted a huge field of over 80 players, and with this year’s adjudicators confirmed as Les Neish and Harmon Vanhoorne, the band is confident that number may well be exceeded.
Foden’s principal cornet Mark Wilkinson added: "We are delighted that Les will also feature as guest soloist with the Youth Band in the concert."
Cathedral date
Mark revealed that just a week later on November 11th the youth band will perform at Manchester Cathedral as part of a Foden’s concert featuring international trumpet start Jens Lindemann.
I’m delighted that we are now ready for launch offering young players a unique opportunity to perform alongside the likes of Les Neish and Jens Lindemann and of course, the new British Open championsIan Raisbeck
Support
Speaking about the forthcoming launch, project co-ordinator Ian Raisbeck told 4BR: "Over a year of planning has gone into this project with support from the new Love Music Trust and a partnership with RNCM.
I’m delighted that we are now ready for launch offering young players a unique opportunity to perform alongside the likes of Les Neish and Jens Lindemann and of course, the new British Open champions."
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