*
banner

Wilkinson expertly Parrys banding assumptions

Foden's Band Manager Mark Wilkinson ensured there were no misconceptions about the plight of the banding world when he was recently interviewed on national radio.

fODE
  Mark Wilkinson was interviewed by Talkradio presenter Mike Parry

The plight of the brass band movement during the current Coronavirus pandemic in the UK continues to attract the attention of the national media, with Talkradio, the sister station to the popular Talksport station, the latest media outlet to provide a feature item.

Steered away

Presenter Mike Graham interviewed Mark Wilkinson, Band Manager and principal cornet of Foden's Band, who rather neatly steered him away from any notions of stereotype perceptions and misunderstandings about the challenges brass bands faced at the current time.

During the 10 minute feature interview, the presenter was obviously sympathetic to the plight of bands, although he was also rather misinformed in some of his off the cuff assumptions — quoting the figure of "400 alone apparently in Yorkshire".

He was keen however to say that he was a big fan and that he understood that, "it was crisis time in the brass band world"and that he thought there was "a silent, pretty huge majority of brass band fans in this country".

Actual

Mark was able to point out that the lack of rehearsals, concert appearances and the cost of making rehearsal rooms Covid-19 compliant had hit all bands hard and that the actual demographic of members, including his own, was not what Mike possibly perceived.

Optimistic

When asked when he thought Foden's would be back on the road, Mark gave an optimistic, but realistic assessment of "perhaps May"- but it may take them longer to get up to what Mike suggested was "a premier sound again"despite leading the way with their popular multi-media approach.

Mark was able to point out that the lack of rehearsals, concert appearances and the cost of making rehearsal rooms Covid-19 compliant had hit all bands hard4BR

Enjoy

The feature can be enjoyed on the programme at around 1.19 mins at: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/FMfcgxwKkbdkcqqHFFVVjNTzcCCxKbKl?projector=1

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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd