The continued growth in popularity of the Foden's Solo, Duet & Quartet Competition saw over 160 performers make the trip to Sandbach Boys School to try and claim one of the host of competitive titles on offer.

Huge buzz

Young players of all ages and abilities created a huge buzz of excitement as they competed across 17 sections (an increase of six from last year) in a bid to impress the hard-working adjudication quartet of Grimethorpe euph star Michael Dodd, Foden's Mark Landon and Mark Wilkinson and Alexis Demailly, principal cornet of the Paris Brass Band.

Support

Thanks to the support of sponsors Besson, Birchfield Music, Audi (Macclesfield) and Glyn Williams Musical Instruments amongst others, Foden’s were able to cope with the massive logistics by utilising four separate halls at the school in what was a seven hour day of wonderful music making.

And whilst the competitive battles were taking place, there remained plenty of time to visit the delicious refreshment stall manned by Foden’s players, as well as the many trade stands.

Welcome

The welcoming atmosphere meant that although the emphasis was on competition there was also plenty of fun to be had too, with encouragement to all the young players, many of who were giving their first public performances.

Run with military precision thanks to pre-draws and listed playing times, it meant that listeners could plan their day accordingly and not miss any favourite performers.

Recognition

The decision to hold result ceremonies in the morning and afternoon also meant that nobody was left hanging around all day after they had played, and that the prize winners gained recognition for their efforts in front of a packed hall.

Winners

The first winners came from the 'Slow Melody' and 'Under 16 Air-Varie' sections.

Euphonium player, Harry Newton finished top of 16 excellent contenders courtesy of a fine performance of ‘The Iceberg', just pipping Kimberley Harrison’s 'Angus McDonald’ and Martijin Binon's 'Pasterole’.

With the event also attracting many overseas visitors, it was American euphonium player Sean Peterson (currently studying at the RNCM) who stole the show in the 'Open Slow Melody' category with his performance of 'Oblivion' from a field of 28 rivals!

Two excellent performances from Michael Cavanagh and Jackie Greensted took the podium places.

Talent

Meanwhile, the talented Joseph Davies caught the ear of Alexis Demailly in the '12-13 Slow Melody' competition to finish narrowly ahead of Belgian visitor Margot Binon and Arthur Elletson.

Mark Wilkinson waited right to the end of the '14-16 Slow Melody' competition to eventual winner, cornet player Sam Brodison, who beat off the fine flugel challenge of Alex Flanders and excellent baritone show of Bethan Brown.

Sam and Bethan certainly enjoyed a successful day as earlier they caught the ear of Alexis Demailly to finish first and second respectively in the 'Under 16 Air-Varie', with 15 year Belgium euphonium player, Vincent Gils in third.

Belgian visitors

Vincent was one of a number of players who'd travelled to Sandbach in a convoy of cars before taking the equally long journey back home via the cross channel ferry at 6.00pm.

He is a pupil of euph star Glen van Looy, and Vincent’s father who was happily doing the driving duties told 4BR that he couldn't praise the Foden’s competition high enough.

"We used to compete at the British Open competition in Manchester, so it’s great to be able to come here with our young players to compete," he said.

"Unfortunately, we don't have such a competition in Belgium at the moment, but we look forward to coming back and supporting this event which is run so efficiently and professionally."

Blue Riband winner

Lithuanain euphonium player, Algirdas Matonis, a student at the RNCM was also smiling broadly after he beat off a highly-competitive field of 18 challengers to take the honours in the Blue Riband Open Air-Varie category.

Algirdas gave a stunning account of the third movement of Andy Scott's ‘Euphonium Concerto’ to claim victory and the invitation to compete at next February's Ern Keller competition in Australia — helped by Besson’s generous prize award of 1500 Euros towards his air fare and accommodation.

Ern Keller trip

He will now make a memorable trip as the Foden's contest and UK representative, whilst a reciprocal agreement is in place that will see the Ern Keller winner return to these shores to compete.

It is also hoped that the revival of the added incentive for the winner will see more ambitious British players take the opportunity to compete at the event.

Percussion sections

The inaugural Percussion Sections also saw some superbly creative performances, with adjudicator, Mark Landon congratulating all the competitors but also reminding them not to forget the visual aspect of percussion solo playing.

The talented Matthew Brett featured in three sections whilst the multi-faceted Sean Peterson put down his euphonium to showcase his versatility in 'Spirit of the Traffic Jam' to claim first prize in the ‘Open Un-tuned’ Section.

Duet success

Elsewhere, there was success for the baritone brothers, Michael & Steven Cavanagh in the ‘Open Duets' section, whilst Catherine Flanders & Sophie Barwick won the ‘Duet 12-16 years of Age’ category, with Taylor Roberts & Rowan Tjepkema victorious in the wonderful ‘Under 11s’ section.

The two Quartet sections provided Michael Dodd with plenty to enjoy as he opted for the excellent Slidin' About' and Dobcross Youth as the winners.

Chairman's delight

Foden's Chairman, John Barber (who had just flown back from Japan to make sure he didn’t miss the event) couldn't hide his delight at how the day had gone.

"I'm so proud of everybody connected with Foden's for their commitment to today's competition," he said.

"We are now in our third year, and everybody is delighted that it continues to grow in popularity and that we've developed such a loyal following of competitors who return each year."

John also placed on record his thanks to a raft of sponsors for their continued support, before he contemplated yet further busy times ahead for the Foden’s organisation.

"In the next week alone we have three concerts before we welcome Allan Withington back for a week of intense preparations ahead of the Brass in Concert weekend.

We are now a very busy organisation, but a day like today makes all the hard work and commitment worthwhile — it’s been brilliant."

Future

Foden's Secretary Andy Rolfe echoed his comments: "We’ve been blown away once again by the response and I’m indebted to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make everything come together."

Andy also stated that they'd welcome constructive feedback from the competitors as to how they thought things went, so that new ideas can be taken on board for 2014 and beyond.

"We welcome any thoughts. I'd like to place on record my thanks to everybody who attended and to my wife, Fiona who co-ordinates things superbly, Love Music Trust and Grace England of Sandbach School for providing all the percussion instruments after unforeseen problems getting our usual percussion equipment shipped from Bergerault, who continue to offer wonderful support."

The date for next year's competition is Saturday 1st November.

Malcolm Wood

We are now a very busy organisation, but a day like today makes all the hard work and commitment worthwhile — it’s been brilliantFoden's Chairman, John Barber

Results:

Open Slow Melody:
Adjudicator: Michael Dodd

1. Sean Peterson
2. Michael Cavanagh
3. Jackie Greensted

Open Percussion Ensemble:
Adjudicator: Mark Landon

1. Love Music Trust Percussion Ensemble
2. Matthew Brett & Kate Thorley

Open Tuned Percussion:
Adjudicator: Mark Landon

1. Matthew Brett
2. Chris Tomkinson

Tuned Percussion: Under 16
Adjudicator: Mark Landon

1. Matthew Brett
2. Alex Temple-Head
3. Richard Blythe

Open Un-Tuned Percussion:
Adjudicator: Mark Landon

1. Sean Peterson
2. Chris Tomkinson
3. Josh Savage

Un-Tuned Percussion: Under 16
Adjudicator: Mark Landon

1. Richard Blythe
2. Matthew Brett

Slow Melody: Age 14-16:
Adjudicator: Mark Wilkinson

1. Sam Brodison
2. Alex Flanders
3. Bethan Brown

Slow Melody: Age 12-13 years
Adjudicator: Alexis Demailly

1. Joseph Davies
2. Margot Binon
3. Arthur Elletson

Slow Melody: Age 11 & Under
Adjudicator: Mark Wilkinson

1. Harry Newton
2. Kimberley Harrison
3. Martijn Binon

Open Air Varie:
Adjudicator: Alexis Demailly

1. Algirdas Matonis
2. Mike Cavanagh
3. Sean Peterson

Air Varie: Age 16-21
Adjudicator: Michael Dodd

1. Charlotte Ankers
2. Andrew Potter
3. Michael Cavanagh

Air Varie: Under 16
Adjudicator: Alexis Demailly

1. Sam Brodison
2. Bethan Brown
3. Vincent Gils

Open Duets
Adjudicator: Mark Wilkinson

1. Mike & Steve Cavanagh
2. Patricia Woodings & Sheila Dixon
3. Karl Stott & Rebecca Somers

Duets: Age 12-16
Adjudicator: Mark Wilkinson

1. Catherine Flanders & Sophie Barwick
2. Bethan Brown & Tommy Tynan
3. Kathleen Woods & Robert Lambert

Duets: Under 11
Adjudicator: Mark Wilkinson

1. Taylor Roberts & Rowan Tjepkema
2. Jasmine Taylor & Evelyn Taylor
3. Ruby Priday & Evie Thomas

Open Quartet:
Adjudicator: Michael Dodd

1. Slidin’ About
2. Over Wyre Youth
3. Sforzando

Quartet: Age 12-16
Adjudicator: Michael Dodd

1. Dobcross Youth
2. The Treblemakers
3. Over Wyre Youth

Awards:

Besson International Award: Algirdas Matonis

Specially commissioned solo for winner of Air Varie 16-21 composed by Lee Morris: Charlotte Ankers

Specially commissioned quartet piece for winner of Open Quartets composed Andrew Stevenson: Slidin' About

Most promising player, 16-21: Michael Cavanagh
Most promising player, 12 & 15: Bethan Brown
Most promising player, 11 & Under: Kimberley Harrison

Most Outstanding Performance of the Day: Sean Peterson
Most Promising Local Player: Miles Redgrave

Fun Award: Most Imaginative name in each quartet section: Slidin' About