*
banner

4BR Interview with Philip Harper

In a new series of major interviews with leading conductors, players and personalities around the banding world, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Cory MD, Philip Harper...

Harper
  Philip Harper has been leading the way in innovation to reach out to new audiences

4BR catches up with Cory MD Philip Harper to find out more about how his band has responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and what he thinks the future holds...

The band has led the way with its social media sensation 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', which was picked up by national television, and which has inspired other bands to undertake their own social media performances.

They have followed it with 'Don't Stop Me Now', whilst Philip also been leading Brass Band England's 'Artistic Development' programme which has inspired bands around the country to look at their concert programming outlook.

Meanwhile, Cory has also just released its acclaimed 'Jungle Book' winning set from Brass in Concert last year and which can be purchased at:

https://coryband.com/shop/

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    


swbba

Results: 2026 SWBBA Contest

November 8 • Tongwynlais Temperance claims the cross border honours in Torquay with section wins for Weston Brass, St. Pinnock, Pendennis Brass, St. Austell Youth and Hatherleigh Training.


SBBBa

Result: 2026 SBBBA Borders Entertainment Contest

November 8 • Jedforest Instrumental claim the honours in Galashiels.


siddis

Results: 2026 Siddis Championships

November 8 • Manger become Norway's top entertainers for the first time since 2021, with section wins for Gjallarhorn, Bergen Brass, Oster Brass and Randaberg.


Spring Festival

Change in judging teams for 2027 Spring Festival

November 5 • A conflict of interest sees Dr Robert Childs step down from his Grand Shield adjudication appointment, with Col David Barringer now taking Senior Cup roll.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (9th) and we welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.Playing with us does not impact on your band. We meet in our bandroom at 11am it is all free including refreshments


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd