The Virtuosi GUS Band has announced the appointment of Gary Wyatt as their new flugel horn player.

London debut

Upon leaving the RAF following over 20 years of service this September, Gary will join the band in time for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

Gary was born in Evesham, Worcestershire, although his family moved to the northwest, where his father became a prominent figure with the Fairey Band.

Prestigious

However, Gary’s musical studies took him in the direction of the military, and after several successful years with HM Band of the Coldstream Guards, he transferred to the Royal Air Force, culminating with his appointment as principal cornet of the prestigious service band, the Central Band of the RAF.

Gary has played with several top class brass bands over the years, notably holding the position of principal cornet with Desford Colliery Band for some 14 years.

Delight

The band is delighted that Cliff Pask, their current flugel soloist, has agreed to take over the assistant principal cornet chair. Cliff was voted by fellow members as their Bandsman of the Year, in no small part for his continued 200 mile round trip to rehearsals, and will take over the position recently vacated by Nick Mott who has joined the Army as a musician.

We are also obviously delighted to have a musician of Gary’s considerable class on board, in what is a major coup for the Virtuosi GUS BandBand Manager, Shawn Pagington

Thanks

The band has taken the opportunity to thank Nick for his playing over the last 18 months, and to wish him the very best for his new career. They also hope to see him again soon after his completion of basic training.

Band Manager Shawn Pagington told 4BR: "Our thanks go to Cliff for his stunning performances on flugel over the last four years, and it was no surprise, having known Cliff for many years, that he was supportive of the change of seat.”

Remarkable

He added: "It just shows what a remarkable bandsman and flexible musician he really is, having played flugel, soprano and now cornet with the band. I know he is looking forward to the new challenge ahead and passing on the benefit of his vast experience to the rest of the front row."

Shawn concluded: "We are also obviously delighted to have a musician of Gary’s considerable class on board, in what is a major coup for the Virtuosi GUS Band."