*
banner

Foden's make official Mercer & Barker link

The National Champion has announced its partnership with mouthpiece maker Mercer & Barker.

mercer
  The mouthpiece manufacturer has strengthened its ties to the band

National Champion Foden's has announced a new partnership with mouthpiece manufacturer Mercer & Barker.

Champion choice

It further endorses the link provided by the manufacturer in providing the band's tuba section with their mouthpieces ahead of their successful Royal Albert Hall appearance, with MD George Barker telling 4BR: "This builds further on the progress made over the last 18 months since our launch.

Working with Andy Cattanach, the band's BBb tuba player led to the rest of the Foden's team coming on board ahead of that fantastic London victory so we are now proud to be the 'Choice of Champions'."

Great news

In response Andy Cattanach added: "This is further great news for us at Foden's — and especially the tuba team. The range they are developing is so exciting and we feel as a team that the mouthpieces has improved the balance and blend of our section, as well as helping with intonation. And the victory at London certainly showed that as well."

Find out more

To find out more about Mercer & Barker mouthpieces go to: www.mercerandbarker.com

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    


John Wallace

Festival tribute to Wallace

August 5 • The musical legacy of John Wallace CBE will be marked by the cooperation band and a host of leading Scottish ensembles as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.


Will Norman

Tredegar welcomes Norman return

August 5 • Will Norman returns to the flugel horn seat at Tredegar Band.


Cerys

New flugel adds to Cory summer signings

August 5 • Cerys Nicholson completes a hat-trick of signings at Welsh champion.


Ellie Watson

Social media boost for York Nationals

August 5 • Ellie Watson will be on hand in York to help boost the social media profile of the competing bands and the event as a whole.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd