Foden's Band has announced the first details of its forthcoming Solo, Duet & Quartet contest which will take place on the 2nd November at Sandbach School in Cheshire.

Bigger and better

This will be the third time the event has taken place, and the members of the ‘Double’ champions are looking forward to being able to welcome even more players from all over the country as well as Europe to take part in what has become one of the biggest events of its kind.

New classes

This year sees the addition of new percussion classes and more prizes to be won in each of the 13 classes thanks to sponsor partners Besson Musical Instruments and Audi Macclesfield. Bergerault Percussion will also sponsor the percussion sections for tuned and un-tuned instruments.

The international flavour of the day sees Besson artistes Alexis Demailly (principal cornet of Paris Brass) and Mike Dodd (principal euphonium of Grimethorpe) join Foden's Mark Wilkinson and Mark Landon as the panel of judges.

Innovative

The innovative partnership with the RNCM in Manchester will also enable a number of students to sit in with the judges to gain invaluable adjudication experience.

Overseas trip

Through the generosity of Besson Musical Instruments, the winner of the Blue Riband Open Air-Varie class will win an international trip to feature either with a band as a soloist, or to compete in an overseas solo competition.

Meanwhile, the winner of the of the 16-21 Air-Varie class will get a new work written for them by talented young composer Lee Morris, whilst there are a host of other fantastic prizes up for grabs too.

We are able to provide wonderful accompanists, brilliant prizes and the usual friendly atmosphere and encouragement to all competitors regardless of age or standard. We just want everyone to enjoy a great day of music makingMark Wilkinson

Great day

Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "We are looking forward to another great day and hope to attract a record entry once more.

The excellent facilities at Sandbach School enable us to comfortably accommodate over 180 players and supporters, so please enter or come along and support the players."

Enjoy

He added: "We are able to provide wonderful accompanists, brilliant prizes and the usual friendly atmosphere and encouragement to all competitors regardless of age or standard. We just want everyone to enjoy a great day of music making."

Entry forms

Entry forms are available from fiona-rolfe@hotmail.co.uk and further information can be found at http://youth.fodensband.co.uk/