*
banner

Death of Graham Cook

The death has been announced of Graham Cook, a remarkable stalwart of Woodhouse Prize Band.

Graham Cook
  Graham Cook dedicated 80 years of his life to the band

The Woodhouse Prize Band has announced the death of their hugely respected band member Graham Cook who passed away on Monday 5th December.

On a post on their Facebook page the band stated: "Graham has not only been a member of Woodhouse Prize Band for nearly 80 years. He was our Life President, Musical Director for 37 years, and our superstar solo baritone until the day he died."

Family connection

Graham hailed form a long family line of hugely talented musicians, all having either played or directed the band. He carried on this trend and passed down the musical gene to his son, Rodney and daughter Jeannette and his four granddaughters, Gemma, Lindsay, Helen and Sarah.

The band added: "We will miss Graham so very, very much. He never missed a rehearsal or engagement and attended a Christmas booking only last Thursday night. He has left a huge hole in Woodhouse Prize Band family."

Privilege

"Graham touched so, so many lives and the banding community has lost one of the greatest stalwarts. Our WPB band family are united in grief, but also in sharing the most amazing memories. The privilege was ours."

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    


RNCM

Research recognition for RNCM

January 8 • The Royal Northern College of Music adds to its established recognition as a leading centre for the advanced study of music performance and composition.


ODBBA

ODBBA confident of capacity turn-out

January 8 • You will need to be quick to make sure you get your entry in for the Oxford & District Brass Band Association Winter Contest.


Geneva Clans

Geneva boost to cross border battle

January 8 • Geneva Instruments has boosted the prize funds for the forthcoming 'Clans vs Counties Contest' in June.


Elland

Elland to lead youth procession to the Minster

January 8 • Eight youth and training bands will provide the musical entertainment at Halifax Minster next month.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd