*
banner

Foden's offer free Winter Training Day

There is a fantastic free Winter Training Day to be part of thanks to Foden's Band — but you need to be quick to sign up.

Fodens
  The Foden's Winter Course is free

Following the recent news that Foden's has been successful in an application to Arts Council England for a three year programme of events, the Sandbach band have moved swiftly to announce details of their free 'Winter Training Day'

Zoom platform

It will be held via the Zoom media platform on the 19th December and will include interactive masterclasses led by Michael Fowles, Russell Gray, Mark Wilkinson, Jonathan Bates, Gary Curtin, Melanie Whyle, Mark Landon, John Barber and Richard Poole.

The event will cover a wide range of activities from all aspects of playing — including improvisation, composition, conducting and general practice and performance techniques.

Support

Talking to 4BR about the initiative Mark Wilkinson said: "We would like to thank Arts Council England for making this event possible. Due to their support the event is free and players of all ages and abilities are invited to apply for a day of interactive learning from leading performers and educators.

A diverse range of subjects will be covered to hopefully improve and motivate players during what are still difficult times."

A diverse range of subjects will be covered to hopefully improve and motivate players during what are still difficult timesFoden's Band

Apply

Further details can be obtained via the Foden's band Facebook page and website.

With the event being held online, to ensure the day runs smoothly places will be limited to the first 50 applications.

Applications can be made by completing the google form at the following link — https://forms.gle/aZngXAERF2C7uJxw8

Closing date

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 16th December at 9.00pm. Following this deadline, all successful applicants will be sent an email confirming their place and an information pack containing materials for the day and zoom codes for the course.

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    


4BR

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Darron Cleary-McHarg

MISM
Composer, Arranger & Music Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd