*
banner

Cory set out on the long road for European glory

The world's number 1 brass band is taking the lead from the top to raise funds for their European title defence in Ostend — with their President and MD risking saddle sores for the cause...

Morgan Jones
  Cory Band President Morgan Jones will take to the saddle for three days to help raise funds for the band's Euro challenge.

Cory Band President Morgan Jones and MD Philip Harper are going the extra mile (or should that be miles and miles) to help the band retain the European title in Ostend later this month.

With no direct funding either from Welsh arts bodies or local or national government, Cory is having to raise the funds for their 17th consecutive trip to the event by themselves — with Morgan and Phil leading the way in saddle.

Keen cyclists

Both are keen cyclists — with Morgan racking up the miles over many years (above), whilst Phil has also been seen enjoying the Lycra lifestyle when he is not too busy with his conducting duties with the world's number 1 ranked band.

Phil also told 4BR that the idea to take to the saddle came as a bit of a surprise challenge after Morgan told him that he would like to help raise funds for the band by cycling from Wales to Belgium over three days to make it in time to hear them play.

Serious

"As that amounts to nearly 400 miles, I thought I had better do something myself!" Phil told 4BR. "I know Morgan takes his responsibilities as the Band President very seriously, but I must admit I felt a bit inadequate to start with!"

However, Phil has been out training over the past few weeks and so he will now make his contribution to the mammoth fund raising ride by cycling from his home in Gloucester to a Cory rehearsal on Tuesday 25th April — a total of 84 miles in the saddle.

Prolouge

He added: "I couldn't commit to cycle all the way to Belgium over the course of three days due to our rehearsal schedule, but I will do the 'prologue' which will see me hand over the fund raising baton to Morgan who will take off for Ostend the following morning. We hope to meet up again just before the draw for the own choice contest!"

Phil also revealed a little about his own training methods — and some of the music that keeps him going as he racks up the miles.

"I like to catch up with my favourite podcasts like Desert Island Discs, and listening to some classic albums like Revolver by the Beatles and The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. Brass band test pieces can be a bit more diffuclt to ride in a rhythm to!"

We know we have amazing supporters all around the banding world, so if they can help us in a different way to that of bands from others countries, we will be delightedCory MD, Philip Harper

Worthwhile

And will all the effort be worthwhile?

"I hope so," he added. "It's great to have a President like Morgan who shows such leadership and determination to help the band, and hopefully we can repay his efforts with another victory.

We know we have amazing supporters all around the banding world, so if they can help us in a different way to that of bands from others countries, we will be delighted.

We have taken the decision to put our legs where our lips are so to speak — so if anyone can help us achieve our goal we will do it through through musical talent and sheer cycling guts and determination."

Donate

You can make a donation by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/coryeuroscycle

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    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd