*
banner

Virtuosi horn star calls it a day

Bob Wallanger calls it a day with Virtuosi GUS after 24 years of sterling service.

GUS
 

The Virtuosi GUS Band has announced the retirement of stalwart tenor horn player Bob Wallanger.

Bob joined the Midland band as a young man in February 1978, having been recommended by the great Stanley Boddington.

Outstanding

Virtuosi GUS Band Manager Mike Smith told 4BR: "Bob has given over 24 years of outstanding service, returning most recently in 2009 after spells at Bedford and Kibworth.

He epitomised what is often described as a ‘true bandsman’. In over two decades of service, the rehearsals he missed can be counted on the fingers of one hand, whilst he also gave a considerable contribution to us as an organisation as a valued committee member and hard working librarian."

Open win

With numerous top flight championship victories to his name Bob was one of the last remaining members of the band who played on the famous 1988 British Open win under Bramwell Tovey, as well as being crowned BBC Band of the Year and Best of Brass Champion.

Bob will be much missed as a player with Virtuosi GUS. However with many lifelong friendships formed, he remains an integral part of the band in every senseBand Manager Mike Smith

Integral part

Mike Smith added: "Bob will be much missed as a player with Virtuosi GUS. However with many lifelong friendships formed, he remains an integral part of the band in every sense."

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    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

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


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd