*
banner

Parker hangs up Fairey wings

Stalwart cornet player Gary Parker has hung up his Fairey (Geneva) wings after 21 years of great service.

Fairey
 

The Fairey (Geneva) Band has announced the resignation of cornet player Gary Parker prior to their last engagement before their summer break.

Servant

Gary has been a loyal servant to Fairey since his debut in 1989, sitting in most of the cornet seats over the intervening years, including many memorable apperances as soprano cornet at their Acid Brass gigs.

Memorable

He has enjoyed many memorable contest wins, high profile concerts and foreign tours, but with increased work and family responsibilities he informed the band he could no longer give the required commitment to the band that has just won the English National Championship title.

The band presented Gary with a commemorative watch at the concert as a mark of their appreciation for all his efforts over 21 years4BR

Given time

The band presented Gary with a commemorative watch at the concert as a mark of their appreciation for all his efforts over 21 years.

However the band hope that 'given time' he may in the future make a welcome comeback. "We sincerely hope that some time in the future he can return when his commitments ease ... returning the watch will not be a pre-requisite!" said Press Officer, Paul Warder.

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    


British Open

Spring Festival hotel deals available direct

May 16 • The British Open organisers are working with leading hotels in Birmingham to see them offer 2026 Spring Festival competitors exclusive deals.


bRITISH oPEN

British Open tickets on sale

May 16 • The box office will open at 10.00am on Friday 16th May for tickets for the 171st British Open Championship.


Open test

Study scores now available for Open test-piece

May 16 • If you want to make sure you have a better idea about what will be heard at Symphony Hall you can get your hands on a study score now.


Linz

Linz to welcome Euros in 2026

May 16 • The European Championships will return to Linz in 2026 — with tickets going on sale in October.


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Uppermill Band

May 16 • VACANCY: Euphonium to complete our team!. Rehearsing Mon/Weds in Saddleworth. Progressive, forward-thinking band with a calendar of exciting gigs led by James Garlick (MD). . Highlights include: performing in a Netflix production & playing live film scores.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

May 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player, maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd