Close on 140 players of all ages and abilities, and from as far afield as Europe made their way to the home of Foden's Band on the weekend to take part in their annual Solo, Duet & Ensemble Competition.
The local Sandbach School was filled with the sound of brass playing in 16 different sections, enjoyed by adjudicators Mike Lovatt, John Doyle and Mark Wilkinson, as well as a great number of family, friends and supporters.
Belgian winner
The winner of the Blue Riband 'Open Air-Varie' event was Lorenz Havermans, a professional euphonium player at the Royal Music Chapel of the Belgian Air Force and solo euphonium of Noordlimburgse Band, who gave an outstanding rendition of Rossini's 'Theme & Variations'.
Lorenz will now be invited to perform at the Cheltenham National Finals next year.
He beat off the high class challenge of Brass Band Willebroek's principal cornet Jonas Violet to take the Peter Fletcher President's Trophy. Third place went to Rainford's talented horn player Daniel Marsh, who earlier won the Under 16 Air-Varie title with stunning rendition of 'Capriccio Brillante'.
Playing to savour
Throughout the day there was playing to savour — right from 11 & Under Slow Melody winner Annie Stuart who won the Helen Stewart Memorial Quaich to former Leyland Band player Andrew Blackledge, now living in Switzerland, who rolled back the years to take the Vintage Air-Varie class.
The Youngest Player award went to Glyn Stokes, and there were some great playing from the youngsters in particular (especially when teamed up with the adults) making for a really supportive atmosphere, smiles and even a few tears of pride!
One of the many highlights of the day was a masterclass given by trumpet virtuoso Mike Lovatt which provided a great interlude between the morning and afternoon performances.
High standard
Speaking about the successful event, Foden's Andrew Rolfe told 4BR: "We would like to thank all the competitors and supporters who attended — especially those who came from Belgium, Norway and Switzerland.
Once again the standard was extremely high and our adjudicators had so many difficult decisions to make."
He added: "As well as adjudicating, Mike Lovatt provided an inspirational masterclass and Foden's members were kept busy stewarding as making and serving some great food. Ian Clowes of Goldy Solutions was on hand to take plenty of brilliant pictures which have now been made available to purchase
We would also like to thank Kapitol Promotions and Brass Band World magazine for inviting the winner of the Blue Riband Open Air Varie event to perform at the Cheltenham National Finals."
Images
Foden's Band also thanked Geneva Instruments, Hercules, Sandbach Music and Sandbach Town Council, whilst vouchers for instruments and lessons were also kindly donated by Tim Oldroyd of Geneva Instruments and Daniel Keen of Sandbach Music.
The photos of the event by Ian Clowes are available at: https://sales.goldy.uk/2019fodens9thsoloduetandensemblecompetition/
Once again the standard was extremely high and our adjudicators had so many difficult decisions to makeFoden's Band
Results:
11 & Under Slow Melody:
Helen Stewart Memorial Quaich
1. Annie Stuart
2. Isabelle Owen
3. Archie Pannell
12 & 13 Slow Melody:
Diamond Jubilee Trophy
1. Aidan Grant
2. Olivia Taylor
3. James Gray
14-16 Slow Melody:
B & G.J. Birch Memorial Cup
1. Milla Van Lint
2. Simon Binon
3. Edward Culpin
17-19 Slow Melody:
Bryan Tait Trophy
1. Alfie Bousfield
2. Lynn Van de Venne
3. Martijn Binon
Vintage Slow Melody:
Lyndon Baglin Trophy
1. Patricia Woodings
2. Antony Sanders
3. Andrew Blackledge
Open Slow Melody:
Mark Wilkinson Trophy
1. Peter McDonough
2. Jonas Violet
3. Tim Pannell
Under 16 Air Varie:
Granville Jennings Trophy
1. Daniel Marsh
2. Alice Newbould
3. Simon Binon
16-21 Air Varie:
Louise Charles Memorial Trophy
1. Thibaut de Bondt
2. Nadia James
3. Lina Van Lint
Vintage Air Varie:
Bramwell Tovey Award
1. Andrew Blackledge
2. Antony Sanders
3. Marrianne Garbutt
Open Air Varie:
Peter Fletcher President's Trophy
1. Lorenz Havermans
2. Jonas Violet
3. Daniel Marsh
11 & Under Duet:
Roy Allcock Prize
1. Rhys & Skye Stokes
2. Jasmine Squires-Evans & Rayan al Badawi
3. Sam Mati & George Walker
12-16 Duet:
George Rolfe Memorial Cup
1. The Stuart Sisters
2. Ben Parkinson & Rowan Tjepkema
3. Hannah Taylor & Bethany Harby
Open Duet:
Sandbach Boys School Trophy
1. Horence Lam & Yuchen Hou
2. Martijn & Kris Binon
3. Ngo Tin Chan & Cheuk Him Chan
Parent & Child Duet:
Annual Trophy
1. Isabelle Owen & her Mum
2. Jasmine Squires-Evans and her Daddy
3. Simon Binon & his dad
11 & Under Ensemble:
Annual Award
1. Over Wyre Brass Ensemble
2. Over Wyre Brass Quartet
12-16 Ensemble:
Helen McCabe Shield
1. Over Wyre Youth Band Quartet
Open Ensemble:
Foden's Band Challenge Trophy
1. Simon, Martijn & Kris Binon
Special Prizes:
Most Outstanding Performance of the Day: Jasmine Squires-Evans
Most Promising Local Player: Nadia James
Most Promising Player: 11 & Under: Archie Pannell
Outstanding Cornet: Alice Newbould
Outstanding Horn: Lina Van Lint
Outstanding Euph/Bari: Lorenz/Havermans
Outstanding Trombone: Nick Stokes
Youngest Player: Glyn Stokes
