*
banner

Cory to offer pre-Euro study opportunities

You can find out just what it takes to defend a European title from Philip Harper and Tom Hutchinson — just hours before they take the stage at Symphony Hall.

Cory
  There is a great opportunity for people to find out what it takes to defend the European title.

The defending European Champions Cory is offering a special day of study in the lead up to the defence of their title in Birmingham.

It will take place on Thursday 28th April at their bandroom in Ton Pentre — less than 48 hours before they perform at Symphony Hall.

It will start at 11.00am and end with the opportunity to sit in on the band's final rehearsal on the evening before they head to the event.

Harper and Hutchinson

Supported by Besson, it will give people the choice of either concentrating on the essential aspects of contest preparation with Musical Director Philip Harper, or with principal cornet Tom Hutchinson about the elements of player preparation.

Having enjoyed a full day of 'prep work' the delegates will be given the opportunity to see both Phil and Tom in action at the equally crucial final evening rehearsal before they head to Birmingham.

Keen offer

Speaking about the initiative, Philip Harper told 4BR: "This is the pinnacle contest for brass banding and we are delighted we are able to defend our title.

Tom and I are keen to offer this study day both to people travelling to the UK for the competition, as well as those who are generally interested in brass banding.

He added: "We know there is going to be demand from people wanting to know more about how we prepare for such an important event and to see how were approach the music, but we also wish to undertake the day with appropriate safety considerations too.

Please get in touch at this stage to express your interest in coming along interest with no required financial commitment. As the next few weeks pan out we will firm up all the arrangements and keep everyone informed."

The cost of the day is £150 which includes all tuition and materials as well as a fish and chip supper. All sessions will take place at the band's Ty Cory rehearsal home in Ton Pentre, Rhondda where people can also enjoy browsing the displays of memorabilia and artefacts.

Tom and I are keen to offer this study day both to people travelling to the UK for the competition, as well as those who are generally interested in brass bandingPhilip Harper

Get in touch

Please express interest by emailing philip@coryband.com and stating whether they would prefer to sign up for the conducting or playing version of the day.

The day will take place on Thursday 28th April with study sessions from 11.00am until 6.00pm and then with the final rehearsal from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd