Gary Robert
| Position | Principal Cornet |
| Nickname | Big G |
| Age | 37 |
| When/How I started banding | Shrewton Silver Band – 1987 –
2nd Cornet, Flugel Horn, Soprano cornet, Repiano cornet, Solo cornet,
Principal cornet. Never played in a brass band before as just moved to Amesbury from Outer London Needed a change of scenery Ferndown Concert Brass – 1994 – Solo cornet, Principal cornet. Left Ferndown as the distance was getting a bit much every week and weekend travelling from Salisbury to Ferndown/Bournemouth. Was also Treasurer for Ferndown Concert Brass band. Downton Band – 1996 - Soprano cornet/Solo cornet Needed a change of scenery Hyde Band – 1998 - Solo cornet, Flugel Horn Left Hyde band as the pressure was too great when the Band was promoted to the Championship section nationally. I had one job I did not need another! Downton Band – 2000 – Euphonium, Cornet Currently playing with Downton band as the people are really friendly and know how to have a good time (if you know what I mean!). |
| Best-ever banding moment | Qualifying for the National Brass Band Finals for the First section in April 1999 with Hyde Band |
| Worst-ever/most embarrassing banding moment |
About ten years ago I was attempting to play ‘The Last Post’ on Rememberance Sunday in Amesbury Methodist Church . Amesbury is situated on Salisbury Plain so there are quite a few Military personnel who attend on a regular basis. On this fateful day I decided to attempt to play both the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ without music. I started playing the ‘Last Post’ and found to my horror that I had completely forgotten how it went. I then had to stop playing and fumble around for the music in a silent church and then I started playing again. At the end of the service I just legged it! On a more positive note, they did invite me back the next year. |
| When I joined Downton Band | 1996, 2000 |
| Favourite band piece | Georgia On My Mind |
| Least favourite band piece | Jamaican Rumba |
| Anything else... | This band can sure drink!!!!! |