*
banner

Cory kneed perc help

Cory's star percussionist Gavin Pritchard will go through the pain barrier at the Royal Albert Hall on the weekend.

Pritchard
 

Only a matter of days before the National Finals, European champions Cory were rocked with the news that star percussionist Gavin Pritchard might not be able to take to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall.

Twinge

Gavin felt a twinge in both his knees during a recent gym session, but to his horror found that by the time he had got home he was unable to exert any pressure on either of his knees while bending.

Within hours he was having trouble even standing, and so an emergency trip was organised to get him to A&E where after an examination he was told to take complete bed rest and given extra strength medication.

MRI scan

With no improvement, Gavin was quickly referred for an emergency MRI scan and was given the bad news that it looked like he might have seriously damaged the cartilage or tendons in both knees and that it would be very doubtful that he would be fit to play for quite some time.

Painful

However, the resilient percussionist has made sure that despite his difficulties he will take to the stage with Cory on the weekend – even if he will be making a rather slow and painful entrance!

Gavin told 4BR: "The MRI scan was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life, but then again, anything that involves a 'panic button' is never good news!

Being told that I was unable to play percussion in my current state was a double blow as I had been invited for a trial with the Calgary Philharmonic, which I have had to cancel.

Let’s just hope I can counter the bad news with some great news at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday. It will be worth the pain!"

I'm really hopeful to play as much as I can, and with a bit of help I think we have come up with a solution as long as my knees hold out and I don’t drop anything on the floor!Gavin Pritchard

Re-scoring

After re-scoring the percussion parts with MD Bob Childs, Gavin hopes that they have come up with a solution so that he can play his part without having to engage in his usual fleet footed run around at the back of the band.

Gavin added: "I'm really hopeful to play as much as I can, and with a bit of help I think we have come up with a solution as long as my knees hold out and I don’t drop anything on the floor!"

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    


Presto

Make a presto decision to add to your recording collection...

August 13 • There are six more, new and classic CDs and downloads to consider as you build your brass collection through a new partnership between 4BR and Presto Music.


Star Crossed lovers

Fewer than 100 premium tickets left for British Open

August 13 • If you want to to snap up a ticket for the Stalls or Upper Circle for this year's British Open, then make sure you don't miss out.


Gregson

Gregson's Choice on National eve

August 13 • You can still grab a seat for the chance to hear an evening of great Edward Gregson music on the eve of the Albert Hall National Final from the ISB and Ian Bousfield.


Brass Matter

Wallace explores the mysteries of Gabrieli's Invisible Symphony

August 13 • John Wallace is on the trail of an invisible symphony for brass...


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 8 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham GL51 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 15 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL52 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 22 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Epping Forest Band

August 11 • Epping Forest Band have a vacancy for a solo horn player.. We are a friendly social 3rd section band with a variety of concerts throughout the year.. We have our own band hut and are within easy distance of the M11 and the central line.


Ilkeston Brass

August 9 • Ilkeston Brass need a new MD! We are a 4th section band based in SE Derbyshire with a strong community presence. We have empty seats in the cornet section but a core of committed players fighting to keep the band going.


Shirley Band

August 9 • The Shirley Band invite applications for the position of MUSICAL DIRECTOR. Due to relocation, we now seek a Musical Director to maintain a high standard of playing and to produce varied programmes for our sell-out concert series together with contests.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd