*
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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET 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,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd