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."