*
banner

British Open countdown — 9 days to go

Garry Cutt gives his personal highs and lows of the British Open.

Cutt
 

Garry Cutt appeared twice as a player with CWS (Manchester) before conducting Kennedy Swinton (1989), Marple (1996) and Foden’s (2004 & 2008) to victory at the contest.

He remains the youngest recipient of the Mortimer Maestro Trophy award to the winning conductor at the contest.

Great moments

”I’ve been fortunate to experience a number of great moments at the British Open over the years, including four wins, but the victory with Marple in 1996 will always be very special indeed.

”I had 17 very happy years associated with the band and they had a great record at the Open prior to their win. James Scott told me after the victory on ‘Severn Suite’ that given their record over the past few years years, we must have been a pretty decent band!

”I came Marple when they were in the real depths of the lower sections and we grew together – the climax of which came at Bridgewater Hall. It was an amazing day, not just for me, but for so many amazing players. It was perhaps the last victory of its kind.”

The elation of winning with Foden’s was offset with the heartache of the death of my brother the day before the contestGarry Cutt

And the flip side?

”The strange thing is that I only made two appearances at the Open as a player – as second man in the old CWS (Manchester) Band in the late 1970s – and came nowhere.

”Soon after my lip collapsed and my playing stopped, so I took up the baton. I remember being so disappointed that as part of a great band we didn’t come anywhere near the prizes, but in hindsight it turned out not to be a bad thing after all!”

Emotional

The most personal moment however came in 2008.

”The elation of winning with Foden’s was offset with the heartache of the death of my brother the day before the contest. All the highs and lows you wish and didn’t wish on yourself all in one 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    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


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


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


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


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd