*
banner

End of Fountain flow at GUS

GUS sop star to end Virtuosi role after Masters.

GUS
 

The Virtuosi GUS Band has announced that soprano player Gary Fountain will leave the band after the All England Masters International Contest and Gala Concert next month.

Sadness

Band Manager Mike Smith told 4BR: "It is with a great sadness that we announce Gary’s departure after occupying the hot seat for most of the last decade. Gary is undoubtedly one of the finest soprano players of his generation and has been a fabulous asset to the band."

He added: "It became clear to Gary that his workload teaching the next generation of brass players, allied to his commitments to both the International Staff Band and of course Kettering Citadel Band, meant that something just had to give."

I leave behind a great band playing really well, a fantastic group of people and an MD in John Berryman that I have the utmost respect forGary Fountain

Legacy

Mike concluded by saying that the band has been left a wonderful Fontain legacy: "Naturally we are disappointed, who wouldn’t be, but Gary leaves behind a wonderful legacy with both of his sons, James and Thomas playing in the band."

Wonderful time

Gary meanwhile added: "I’ve had a wonderful time over the last decade and will continue to cheer them on from the sidelines. I leave behind a great band playing really well, a fantastic group of people and an MD in John Berryman that I have the utmost respect for."

He added: "I wish Virtuosi GUS all the very best and expect them to go from strength to strength over the coming years."

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Soprano Cornet. Solo Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . Solo Euphonium . 2nd Baritone .


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd