*
banner

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.

Fodens
  Michael Fowles and Foden's Band players will lead the mentoring on the works

The Foden's Band has already started planning for the 2026 Regional Championships as they look to make it an unprecedented 10 North West Area wins in a row.

However, they are also looking to help others in their title assaults with a new initiative that will see them open their doors to players from all other sections.

Sectional sessions

During November, Musical Director Mike Fowles and a team of principal players will be holding open sectional sessions focussing on each of the section regional works, where delegates can bring their parts and scores for their respective pieces to work on.

The cost of the sessions will be £30 per player, during which they will have the chance to talk to their tutors about any specific issues within the pieces, as well as any general brass playing questions to help them with their development.

To register

To register, please email Mark Wilkinson via: marklwilky@hotmail.com by Wednesday 22nd October.

The sessions will take place at Foden's Band HQ at CPG Construction Products Group, Industrial Unit Booth Street, Sandbach (CW11 3QF).

Conductors:

Mentor: Michael Fowles
Saturday 8th November

4th Section: 10.00am — Noon
3rd Section: 12.30pm — 2.30pm
2nd Section: 2.45pm — 4.45pm
1st Section: 5.00pm — 7.00pm

Cornets:

Mentor: Mark Wilkinson
Saturday 22nd November

4th Section: 10.00am — Noon
3rd Section: 12.15pm — 2.15pm
2nd Section: 2.45pm — 4.45pm
1st Section: 5.00pm — 7.00pm

Horns & Flugels:

Mentor: Jonathan Bates
Sunday 16th November

4th Section: 10.00am — Noon
3rd Section: 12.15pm — 2.15pm
2nd Section: 2.45pm — 4.45pm
1st Section: 5.00pm — 7.00pm

Baritones & Euphoniums:

Mentor: Gary Curtin
Saturday 8th November

4th Section: 10.00am — Noon
3rd Section: 12.15pm — 2.15pm
2nd Section: 2.45pm — 4.45pm
1st Section: 5.00pm — 7.00pm

Trombones:

Mentor: John Barber
Sunday 2nd November

4th Section: 10.30am — 12.30pm
3rd Section: 12.45pm — 2.45pm
2nd Section: 3.00pm — 5.00pm
1st Section: 5.15pm — 7.15pm

Basses:


Mentor: Andy Cattanach
Sunday 23rd November

4th Section: 10.00am — Noon
3rd Section: 12.15pm — 2.15pm
2nd Section: 2.45pm — 4.45pm
1st Section: 5.00pm — 7.00pm

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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd