*
banner

Foden's to host Withington Conducting Course

Foden's Band will be the welcoming hosts of the ever inventive Allan Withington Conductors Summer School...

Allan Withingon
 

Allan Withington’s ever inventive annual Conductors Summer School will this year take place in Sandbach in Cheshire.

After five highly successful years based in Leeuwarden in Holland, Allan has decided to take the course ‘on tour’ and will see the delegates based in one of the most towns in the banding world.

Hosts

The Foden’s Band will be the fully committed hosts along with the Roberts Bakery Band, with the local Sandbach Boys School providing excellent facilities for the week’s course.

The week will culminate with a concert which will involve each student conducting Foden’s Band at Sandbach Boys School with a typically ‘Withingtonesque’ inspired theme — 'Poms at the School', which will be a celebration of great British music.

The final concert will also feature the winning entry in Foden’s newly announced Composer Competition.

Themes explored

That theme will also be fully explored in lectures and workshops throughout the course – based at the Bears Head, a vintage Inn on the outskirts of Sandbach, which dates back to 1614.

Psychology

However, a very 21st century approach to conducting will see lectures given by Danish media expert, Mette Højen, on the role of the conductor in leadership and the psychology of musical communication.

Allan told 4BR: "It was the ideal time to take the course on tour so to speak – and I could think of no better host than Foden’s.

Once again we will be offering delegates an unique conducting experience — and one that aims to enhance their all round musicianship.

It’s hard work, plenty of fun and offers the opportunity to work with world class musicians. I’m really looking forward to it – and to meeting many new, eager conductors."

Once again we will be offering delegates an unique conducting experience — and one that aims to enhance their all round musicianshipAllan Withington

Places and info

As always, places on the course are eagerly sought after, with interest from Europe and beyond from musicians looking to learn more about the art of conducting.

Course details:

June 28th – July 3rd 2014
Final Gala concert at Sandbach Boy’s School, July 3rd, 7.00pm.

Course fee is £450, which includes all tuition, accommodation, food and transport to and from Manchester airport where necessary.

Although all students are encouraged to be residential, different rates may apply in other circumstances.

Contact:

For more details please contact:

Allan Withington 004792253220
Mark Wilkinson 07740 354106
allanwithington@yahoo.no
marklwilky@hotmail.com

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Willebroek

World Rankings: September 2026

October 1 • Brass Band Willebroek makes history, claiming top spot in 4barsrest World Rankings after double runner-up finishes at World Championships and British Open.


wOBPLAY

Albert Hall performances to be recorded by World of Brass

September 30 • All the performances from the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall will be audio recorded by World of Brass and made available on wobplay after the results.


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert announces adjudication panels

September 30 • The judges that will make the decisions at the 49th Brass in Concert Championships have been announced.


4BR podcast

4BR Podcast: Live National Championship Preview

September 30 • Join us on Thursday night for the the 4BR preview of the event and the issues that surround it.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - BoneVoyage Trombone Quartet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Foden's Band

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Ashington Colliery Band

September 30 • Tenor Trombone: We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd