Age UK - Creating a Buzz!

December 11th, 2019 | 1 min read

On Sunday 1^stDecember, members of the collaboration project ‘Creating a Buzz’ took part in their first public performance. This new partnership project between Foden’s Band and Age UK Cheshire took to the stage to demonstrate their newly acquired music-making skills.

The capacity audience at the Memorial Hall, Northwich were treated to added extra entertainment during Foden’s and Matt Ford’s seasonal favourite ‘Memories of Christmas’ concert.

To date the newly formed group has benefitted from just two sessions of tuition with Foden’s members Anna Hughes-Williams, Mark Wilkinson and Darren Lea. With a great mixture of experience and enthusiasm, the group gave a magnificent account of the popular Christmas tune Jingle Bells and went on to join Foden’s in Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’.

Age UK - Creating a Buzz 2

Commenting on progress so far, Darren Lea said "It’s great to see the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the group, they have really put their all into this project so far and the results really came through in their performance. We can’t wait to see what progress this group can make over the coming weeks as well as being part of the camaraderie and friendships that are forged whilst working together."

Project member Kim Smith (pictured below playing a pBone) said ‘The opportunity to be trained by the World Class Foden’s Band to play an instrument whilst being served coffee and cake was amazing, we laughed a lot! This project is to combat loneliness and social isolation in the older person, it’s fun, it’s educational and guaranteed to help you meet people.’

Age UK Creating a Buzz

The project continues and anyone over the age of 50 irrespective of musical experience is encouraged to join the group for their weekly sessions at the Castle Community Centre, Northwich.

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Watch Mark Wilkinson on pCornet and Fodens Band perform Sunshine of Your Smile here…

Darren Lea

Darren began brass and percussion lessons at school at the age of 7, and is from a brass banding family. He has been privileged to be able to play with a number of brass groups and bands throughout the UK and europe, as well as playing with friends at the Brass Band of Central Florida in the USA on a number of occasions (including playing top man for the 2013 NABBA contest in Cincinnati). He was asked to help them on their last UK tour where they competed at the Brass in Concert championships.

Darren provides support to various brass bands across the UK which enables him to connect with and assist bands all over the country. A particular focus is helping organisations establish youth and community groups to introduce the next generation of musicians into the brass band movement. As a huge brass band enthusiast (he was recently voted ‘Bandsman of the Year’ by his colleagues at Foden’s Band), Darren works with bands, schools and organisations to share stories with our customers that highlight why music matters.

Topics:

Brass Band

cornet

music education

trombone

music lessons