RESULTS: Foden’s Solo Competition
Sunday 29th of October saw Foden’s Band welcome over 100 entries from all over the world, to their 7th solo, duet & quartet competition. Once again the adjudicators had the difficult task of placing the competitors and providing them with constructive written feedback: Prof. John Wallace CBE, Dewi Griffiths & Brian Kingsley were this year’s adjudicators and were chosen for their experience, knowledge and reputation as fine musicians / educators.
Many of the entrants were familiar faces, some of whom have returned each year, though there were equally as many players entering for the first time. Many friendships have been forged between competitors over the years and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere has helped cement the competition as one of the largest of its kind.
Although unavoidable clashes with The Dutch Open and Rochdale Band competitions meant that some players could not attend this year, the number and standard of entries was impressive. 13 classes of solos, duets and quartets meant that there were always 3 sections running simultaneously, with some players taking part in no less than 4 solo & ensemble classes.
The youngest competitor this year was only 5 years old: Archie Pannell impressed the adjudicator and audience with his confident performance of his slow melody, earning him not only the youngest player award, but also 3rd place against much older children. The video of Archie’s ‘repeat performance’ in front of an enchanted audience quickly went ‘viral’ on the internet!
The Open Solo class is the class that many enter, with the potential to win a unique and much sought after Besson sponsored prize. Previous winners have performed with River City Brass in the USA, had solos specially written by eminent composers and performed at the Festival of Brass at the RNCM.
This year saw a previous winner regain his title against a very talented field of soloists: Paul Bennett competed in 4 sections, but still had the stamina & skill to perform the fiendishly difficult finale to Haydn’s Cello concerto. Paul impressed Prof Wallace with his virtuosity, tone & style to make him the first competitor to win this coveted prize for a 2nd time. Paul now has the opportunity to travel abroad again, courtesy of Besson Musical Instruments.
Next year’s date will be confirmed as soon as possible, and will be around the same time of year. Please email [email protected] for information.
11 & Under Slow Melody
1. Aidan Grant
2. Annie Stuart
3. Archie Pannell
12 & 13 Slow Melody
1. Isaac Bousfield
2. Lewis Barton
3. Frederik Engelson
14 – 16 Slow Melody
1. Grace Hancock
2. Alfie Bousfield
3. Martijn Binon
17 – 19 Slow Melody
1. Margot Binon
2. Megan Bousfield
3. Jack Lythaby
Vintage Slow Melody
1. Paul Bennett
2. Tim Galloway
3. Iain Fleming
Open Slow Melody
1. Tim Pannell
2. Paul Bennett
3. Lorenz Havermans
Under 16 Air Varie
1. Lewis Barton
2. Isaac Bousfield
3. Oliver Marshall
16 – 21 Air Varie
1. Jack Lythaby
2. Megan Bousfield
3. Catherine Flanders
Vintage Air Varie
1. Iain Fleming
2. Paul Bennett
3. Patricia Woodings
Open Air Varie
1. Paul Bennett
2. Tim Pannell
3. Lorenz Havermans
12 – 16 Duet
1. Simon & Martijn Binon
2. Oliver & Toby Marshall
3. Hannah Taylor & Bethany Harby
Open Duet
1. Martijn Binon & Ilse Degeest
2. Jo Ainsworth & Jack Lythaby
3. Stephen Lomas & Daniel Brook
Open Quartet
1. In Slide Out
Special Awards
Overall Most Outstanding Performance: Isaac Bousfield
Most Promising Local Player: Catherine Flanders
Most Promising Player 11 & Under: Aidan Grant
Most Outstanding Cornet: Tim Pannell
Most Outstanding Horn: Jack Lythaby
Most Outstanding Euph/Bari: Lorenz Havermans
Most Outstanding Trombone: Isaac Bousfield
Most Outstanding Bass: James Hawkins
Youngest Player: Archie Pannel
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