My time as Musical Director of Foden's Band started in 1980, continued to the latter part of the 1990s and then restarted informally, as an occasional guest, some 10 years later. By then, I had left contesting behind and, for the first time in my life, was living without performing and writing music every day. I was, however, drawn back from time to time to arranging for my own amusement, but also to composing, something I had only done now and again, usually for a specific purpose.
In this recording, I have grouped my own pieces together to leave the arranged repertoire separate. Regarding my arrangements, even when in the thick of banding, I never arranged anything I didn't want to arrange. I need the music to tell me what to do, which I can't do with music I don't like or understand. Equally, I love the feeling of showing some new musical treasure, whether great or small, to those who have not been as lucky as I.
When asked by Foden's to make this recording of my music, I didn't hesitate. Not only is it an armchair ride to conduct the band, they are as welcoming a group as you can find. I value too, their activity in education, working with young musicians, not just locally, but in many parts of the country.
Howard Snell
