*
banner

Cooke lead ends at WFEL Fairey

WFEL Fairey take decision to end musical partnership with Adam Cooke as they announce Swiss lead for British Open.

aDAM cOOK
  Adam Cooke was appointed to the role of MD in May 2020.

The musical partnership between the WFEL Fairey Band and Musical Director Adam Cooke has come to an end.

Appointed in May 2020 at the beginning of what was to become an almost two-year period of lockdown inactivity, the Northern Irishman was only able to direct them in two major contest appearances.

Major changes

Despite the Stockport band undergoing major changes in personnel, he led them to a solid eighth place finish at the 2021 National Championships.

2022 also started with a well-received RNCM Brass Band Festival appearance after stepping in at late notice, although there was disappointment at a poor return at the North West Area where they failed to qualify for the Albert Hall.

The announcement from the band acknowledged that the conductor had joined during "very difficult times" and that they thanked him "for his effort and energy during this period and wish him well for the future."

Swiss link

It was also revealed that Arsene Duc, MD of Swiss National Champion Valaisia would lead at the forthcoming British Open in September, with week to week preparations undertaken by former Fairey players and conductors, Philip Chalk and Mark Peacock.

Philip led WFEL Fairey from 2007 to 2010, whilst Mark renews a long held family connection that has seen him conduct the band on many occasions.

A WFEL Fairey Band spokesperson said: "Looking ahead, we are delighted that Arsene Duc has agreed to direct us at the British Open. His contest record is outstanding, not just in his native Switzerland but also at the European Championships and the British Open.

Philip and Mark are of course highly successful conductors and will assist Arsene in his preparations. It is a privilege to work with Arsene Duc and to renew our links to Philip and Mark."

Surprise and disappointment

In response to the news, Adam Cooke told 4BR: "It did come as a surprise and has taken a bit of time to process. It's a great disappointment that it seems that the band and myself were on somewhat different pages surrounding the musical direction of travel.

I believe we were at odds about how long-term sustainable success was measured particularly in this new climate, and at a point in what I hoped was a long term plan of development."

It's a great disappointment that it seems that the band and myself were on somewhat different pages surrounding the musical direction of travelAdam Cooke.

Huge challenge

He added: "We had made a determined effort to rebuild from an almost standing start — a huge challenge given the nature of the pandemic and the obvious need to secure a stable long term foundation on which to build.

Embedding the right culture and achieving long term success in any organisation takes time, and for all parties involved to pull in the same direction.

It's unfortunate that on this occasion we haven't been able to get there, but I have huge admiration for the band and wish it and the players well for the future."

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    


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys Episode 7

April 25 • The latest episode of the banding podcast with a Welsh flavour is now out, with an interview with Nia Lloyd Williams of Rhyl Silver Band


Tongwynlais

Japan embraces Welsh banding ambassadors

April 25 • The Tongwynlais Band has just returned from a memorable musical tour where they helped promote the Land of My Fathers in the Land of the Rising Sun.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd