*
banner

Berryman confirmed as head Virtuosi

John Berryman has been confirmed as the new MD at Virtuosi GUS Band.

Berryman
 

The Virtuosi GUS Band has confirmed the recent appointment of John Berryman as Musical Director.

Long association

John has a long and distinguished association with the band dating back to 1959 when as a young man he moved from his native Cornwall to join the then Munn and Felton works band.

In 1960 John became the principal cornet, a position he held until his playing retirement in 1969. In those ten years John played in 3 winning National Brass Band Championships performances, also leading the famous GUS Quartet to 3 National Titles.

Welcome back

John first became the Resident Conductor of the GUS Band in 1985 working with Bramwell Tovey culminating in the British Open win of 1988. John was subsequently Musical Director of the band between 1991 and 1998 and led the band to 3 Area titles, and numerous prize winning performances at the British Open, National Finals and All England Masters.

Shawn Pagington, Band Manager, told 4BR: "We are delighted to welcome John back to the band and are certain that he will lead the organisation in challenging the very best bands in the UK once again."

We are delighted to welcome John back to the band and are certain that he will lead the organisation in challenging the very best bands in the UK once againShawn Pagington

Unfinished business

John himself commented to 4BR: "I firmly believe there is unfinished business with the GUS Band, which indeed has had the biggest influence on my banding life. At this time we are blessed with talented players in every seat within the band, not to mention the first class array of soloists, including John Hudson, Chris Jeans, Gary Fountain and Robert Woods."

John added: "A splendid start has already been made with qualification for London in October after only 2 weeks together, however there is much more hard work ahead in the coming months."

Projects

The Band is looking forward to the coming months with upcoming projects including the National Association of Brass Band Conductors Final in June, the National Finals in October and the recording of the first volume of a two part CD. The CD will chart the musical history of this famous Band which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year.

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    


Black Dyke Band

Marshall leads with Evo

October 9 • The Black Dyke principal cornet player will lead Black Dyke Band's National title challenge on his new Oldroyd Evo cornet.


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd