*
banner

Young stars get deserved Christmas gifts at Virtuosi GUS

Two rising stars received special gifts for Christmas from Virtuosi GUS

gus
  Amy Ewen and Thomas Fountain were presented with their awards at the band's recent Christmas Concert in Kettering

After a year in which they won the Midlands Regional for a fourth consecutive time, the reigning Butlins Mineworkers Champion, Virtuosi GUS, gave out some high profile awards itself at their recent annual Christmas concert in Kettering.

Player of the Year

Principal cornet Thomas Fountain was presented with the John Berryman Shield as 'Player of the Year', chosen by Musical Director Adam Cooke.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Tom's stunning performances throughout 2017 never ceased to amaze audiences and band members alike, particularly at Brass in Concert and the National Finals. It was a fully deserved award."

Tom's stunning performances throughout 2017 never ceased to amaze audiences and band members alike, particularly at Brass in Concert and the National FinalsVirtuosi GUS Band

Bandsman of the Year

Meanwhile, the coveted William Smith 'Bandsman of the Year' Award, voted for by the players themselves, went to baritone player Amy Ewen.

Amy has also recently taken on the public relations and media role, and in a very short space of time has dramatically enhanced the band's social media presence.

The spokesperson added: "Amy has been a shining light both inside and outside of the rehearsal room, and the award is richly deserved recognition for someone who has not only achieved so much in a short space of time but also clearly has so much to offer the band in 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    


Mountain Brass in Concert

New entertainment contest in Switzerland

May 19 • 'Mountain Brass in Concert' will feature six Swiss bands in a new contest celebrating 222 years of music making.


cooperation

World Championship challenge for the cooperation band

May 19 • The Scots will head to Kerkrade in 2026 to see if they can become World Champions.


Willebroek

European recall with Wobplay

May 19 • You can enjoy all the performances from the recent European Championships in Stavanger on the Wobplay.com platform


Keli

Review praise for brass accompaniment to Keli production

May 19 • The participation of Whitburn and Kingdom Brass players and soloist Andrew MacMillan have gained plaudits on latest 'Keli' stage production


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

May 18 • Reading Band are looking for TROMBONES and BASSES to join our lower end. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings in Woodley near Reading with our MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Corsham Band

May 17 • We are looking for a MUSICAL DIRECTOR.. Corsham Band is a well-respected ensemble, adopting a hardworking ethic to their music-making. We are a dedicated and friendly team of enthusiastic musicians looking to rebuild and develop the band.


Uppermill Band

May 16 • VACANCY: Euphonium to complete our team!. Rehearsing Mon/Weds in Saddleworth. Progressive, forward-thinking band with a calendar of exciting gigs led by James Garlick (MD). . Highlights include: performing in a Netflix production & playing live film scores.


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd