*
banner

Super Mario Hutchinson enjoys Japanese sites and sounds...

Cory principal cornet Tom Hutchinson has been enjoying a 'Super' trip to Japan to work with players on the annual Hamamatsu Brass Band Camp.

Tom Hutchinson
  Race ready! Tom Hutchinson becomes Super Mario for a ride around the streets of Tokyo

Cory principal cornet Tom Hutchinson and MD Phil Harper are currently in Japan where they are working with over 80 players on the annual Hamamatsu Brass Band Camp.

Phil is a regular visitor, but this is the first time that Tom has made the trip to appear as a guest soloist.

Important

The five day course is regarded as one of the most important opportunities for players from all parts of the country to be able to work with some of the banding's world elite performers.

However, despite the hard work there are the occasional moments to relax, as Tom told 4BR. "I've been fortunate to come to Japan before, and it's a fantastic country. This is the first time on the course and the welcome and the response I received has been amazing.

The enthusiasm and commitment to the music making is something else and has lived up to everything Phil told me."

Go kart

As well as leading workshops and doing a little bit of conducting, Tom will give a recital as well as being the featured guest soloist in the final end of course concert — although he has already made sure that he has enjoyed a bit of typical Japanese fun too — dressed as Super Mario for a spin around central Tokyo in a go-kart!

The enthusiasm and commitment to the music making is something else and has lived up to everything Phil told meTom Hutchinson

Incredible experience

"Former Cory tuba player Kaz Kouno and his partner Aya Imai have been showing me around,"he added: "From visiting traditional public baths to ancient temples, taking a ride on the Bullet Train and even becoming Super Mario for a go-kart trip though the streets of Tokyo.

It's already been an incredible experience — and I'm sure there is more to come before I return home."

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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd