The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has announced a new conducting partnership with Foden's Band.

Commencing this autumn, the partnership will enable the college's conducting students to gain valuable experience working with Foden's conducting team and, on occasion, to conduct the band.

Top of their game

Mark Heron, RNCM Conducting Tutor, said: "Observing conductors at the top of their game working with first class ensembles is one of the best ways for young conductors to learn their craft.

The relationships we have developed in recent years with the region's professional orchestras have greatly enhanced our courses, and it was a natural step to extend this to one of the country's top bands."

Students on the RNCM's Junior Fellowship and Masters conducting programmes already assist conductors working with the BBC Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata and Manchester's contemporary music ensemble, Psappha.

This new partnership will now offer the chance for students to attend rehearsals in Sandbach, developing their skills.

Observing conductors at the top of their game working with first class ensembles is one of the best ways for young conductors to learn their craftMark Heron, RNCM Conducting Tutor

Welcome extension

Foden's Musical Director, Michael Fowles, added: "Having studied and worked at the RNCM, I've seen the quality of both the teaching and opportunities afforded to students.

This initiative is a welcome extension of the already excellent conducting programmes on offer. The chance for Foden's to be involved falls in line with our strongly held beliefs of encouraging the next generation of musicians."