Foden's will look forward to a busy second half of the contesting year after once again enjoying themselves at the 21st Armagh Old Boys Brass Band Summer School'.

Held at the City of Armagh High School with funding made available from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavin Council, it provided a wonderful opportunity for both young, and young at heart players to come together to form two ability based ensembles.

Sterling and Sovereign

The Sterling Band was led by Mark Bousie with the Sovereign Band conducted by Michael Fowles — both packed to the rafters with performers aged from 6 to 74 from bands across the region as well as across the border and the Irish Sea.

Foden's tutors Mark Wilkinson, Mark Bousie, Richard Poole, Shaun Farrington, Gary Curtin, Jonathan Bates, Stewart Baglin, Michael Fowles and Anthony Mann worked with delegates throughout the week on repertoire, including 'Prismatic Light' (Fernie), 'Trailblaze' (Richards), 'The Seal Lullaby' (Whitacre), 'Neverland' (Bond), 'The World's Greatest Storyteller' (Harper) and Shakira's Waka-Waka (arr. Jonathan Bates).

The Sterling Band was led by Mark Bousie with the Sovereign Band conducted by Michael Fowles — both packed to the rafters with performers aged from 6 to 744BR

Concert and awards

The end of course 'Spectacular Concert' was held at Armagh Old Boys Band Music Centre where packed audience enjoyed the music provided and also joined in the congratulations of the various award winners: Brasses Plaque (Best Attending Band) — Third Carrickfergus Band; Armagh Old Boys Cup — Peter McCormick (St Marks Silver Band); Dungannon Plaque (- Wesley Thompson (1st Old Boys); Poyntzpass Trophy — Jacklin Bingham (Third Carrickfergus Band) and Foden's Band Cup — Harry Lloyd (1st Old Boys).