*
banner

4BR Tuesday Interview with Philip Harper

Cory MD Philip Harper rejoices at the news that the sale of British Open tickets heralds the long awaited return to 'live' competition for the world's number 1 ranked band.

Harper
  Philip Harper will be looking to claim yet another British Open title

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

With British Open Championship tickets going on sale this week we speak to the conductor of the band that will defend its title at Symphony Hall on September 11th — and find out what he thinks of the news and what it mans for Cory Band.

Philip Harper tells 4BR that he is delighted by the news that Cory will hopefully defend its title at Symphony Hall — and entertain their fans the following day at the British Open Gala Concert.

He also reveals that whilst he didn't mind getting wet at one of the band's first open air rehearsals he can't wait to get back into the bandoom to start preparing for the defence of their title — and for their early draw appearance at the Foden's Whit Friday competition this weekend...

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    


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Brass at Beamish March & Hymn Tune contest

June 23 • All beaming smiles for Bathgate as they retain their grip on the popular march and hymn tune title.


Milnrow

Report & Result: 2026 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune

June 23 • Milnrow adds to British Open contesting funds with double top victory in Darwen.


Flowers band celebrating their historic European triumph

World Rankings: June 2026

June 22 • Flowers bloom as Gloucester band reach No. 1 in the world after historic European triumph.


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Darwen Brass

June 22 • Darwen Brass have vacancies for 2nd Euph, and Bass, Bb and Eb.


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd