MD - Garry Hallas

Garry began playing cornet aged 9 and joined his first band, South Leeds Music Centre Junior Orchestra aged 10. From there he progressed to the Concert band, and eventually on to Principal Trumpet a few years later.

Garry joined his first brass band aged 12, the Rothwell Temperance 'B' band as it was then. He played there until going to College to study for his music BTEC, when he moved to Wakefield Metropolitan Schools band to help his Brass Tutor, Les Hepplestone.

Garry took up percussion during high school "because it was a trendier thing to do". In 1995 Garry had his arm twisted (not very hard) to move to Gawthorpe Brass '85 on Drum Kit, staying at Gawthorpe for 8 years during the bands' rise from 4th to 2nd section.

Towards the end of his spell playing with Gawthorpe, Garry began conducting the 2nd Gawthorpe band which was just starting out contesting. In his first year, the band achieved 3rd place at the Yorkshire Area Finals (their best result up to that point).

Garry then took Grange Moor to their first "area" contest for 20 years, achieving 2nd place. Following this he took up the position of MD at Emley in March 2003, slowly building the band towards 2007 when we arrived in the 3rd section with a solid team and a local reputation for excellent concerts.

Besides being our MD, Garry is also Musician in Residence at Harrogate High School. Garry has played percussion with the world famous Brighouse and Rastrick band and the Yorkshire Imperial Band in prestigious contests. He is an experienced tutor in both brass and percussion. 

              Contact Garry by email for information, Brass or Drum lessons or just a chat