The GUS Band is a world-famous brass band, based in Kettering, England. Originally known as the Munn and Felton Works Band, it was formed by Fred Felton in 1933 in Kettering, England. Since then, the band has won many prizes and competitions over the years.
History On 2 January 1933, the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph reported the formation of the 'Munn and Felton Works Brass Band'. In that article, Mr Fred Felton, co-managing director of the firm, said: "We are out to make it the finest combination in the country, and to make it a contesting band of note throughout the country". Two years later the new band were champions of Great Britain. Since then, under the names of Munn and Felton, GUS (Footwear), Rigid Containers Group Band, Travelsphere Holidays Band, Virtuosi GUS Band, and now The GUS Band, the band has travelled Britain, Europe and America, appearing in concert halls, on television and radio, and has released many records and CDs.
Major honours The band's contesting successes include winning 1 World Championship, 6 British National Championships, 2 British Open Championships, and 20 Midlands Championship titles. World Champions: 1971 National Champions of Great Britain: 1935, 1955, 1957, 1960, 1964, 1966 British Open Winners: 1954, 1988 Midlands Regional Champions: 1946, 1947, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2025, 2026 National Mineworkers Champions: 2013, 2017 All England International Masters Winners: 2015, 2016 Royal Trophy: 1935, 1954, 1955, 2026 National Quartet Champions: 1966, 1967, 1968 Dr Martin Wainstones Cup: 2023, 2024
Musical directors The following list of resident and guest conductors is compiled from past contest results. Dates Name 1933–1938 William Halliwell 1946–1975 Stanley Boddington MBE 1955–1960 Sir Harry Mortimer CBE 1975–1978 Geoffrey Brand 1978–1985 Dr Keith Wilkinson 1985–1987 John Berryman 1985–1989 Bramwell Tovey 1988 David Stowell 1989–1990 Robert Watson 1991–1998 John Berryman 1998–2000 Melvin White 2001 Frank Renton 2002 Brian Grant 2003 Russell Gray 2003 Major Peter Parkes 2004–2007 David Stowell 2007 Rob Wiffen OBE 2007–2008 Jeremy Wise 2008–2013 John Berryman 2013–2018 Adam Cooke 2018-2022 Chris Jeans 2022-2025 Dr David Thornton 2023-present Christopher Bond
Partial discography The band has released over 50 albums, a selection of which are listed here: Christmas Fantasia - The Music of Andrew Wainwright Freeh-Way A Mingled Chime Bandology British Bandstand Bandstand (volumes 1 to 10) Brass in Perspective Celebration Golden Jubilee European Journey In a Tribute to Eric Ball Journeys in Brass Kings of Brass Rhapsody in Blue - with Don Lusher OBE Soloist Travelling Light The World Champions Play Test Pieces for Brass English Landscapes Around the World in Eighty Minutes
References
External links Official website Spotlight on GUS