The first weekend in February has certainly become a special time in the Foden's calendar, as for the past 17 years they have travelled to Armagh in Northern Ireland at the invitation of Ivor Stevenson MBE, a Vice-President of the band.

Music making

The weekend was once again packed with music making — beginning on the Friday evening where MD Michael Fowles led a rehearsal with the local Armagh Old Boys Band.

On Saturday, Foden's hosted a workshop for soloists of all ages and abilities. It featured players who had been playing for less than three months as well as more experienced players.

Safe hands

An event spokesperson told 4BR: "Accompanied by Foden's and gaining feedback from the principal players, it was an incredibly rewarding public masterclass.

One thing was clear as well — that the future of brass banding in Northern Ireland is in safe hands judging by the strength, depth and enthusiasm of the players that several local bands sent along."

Saturday's gala concert took place at the 1st Presbyterian Church to a large audience, where Foden's performed repertoire from their new 'Patron's X' release; including solo features from Richard Poole, Mark Wilkinson, Melanie Whyle, Sarah Lenton and John Barber.

Debut

There was also a debut for new solo euphonium Gary Curtin — with his brilliant rendition of 'Eire Time', perhaps not surprisingly, an instant hit with the Armagh audience.

Eric Ball's 'Kingdom Triumphant', performed by request of one audience member who has attended all seventeen Foden's concerts, was a particular highlight, resulting in a standing ovation.

Our thanks go to everybody involved — and after 17 years it is a great thrill for the band to see just how the enthusiasm for banding in Northern Ireland continues to growFoden's, Ian Raisbeck

Famous hospitality

Foden's Ian Raisbeck told 4BR: "Armagh's famous hospitality kept the band brilliantly fed and watered throughout an incredible team effort by all involved — central to this being the Stevenson family who work to make sure the February event as well as the successful summer school continues to thrive.

Our thanks go to everybody involved — and after 17 years it is a great thrill for the band to see just how the enthusiasm for banding in Northern Ireland continues to grow.

We look forward to the Summer School in August and next February's visit back to Armagh."