Gary’s conducting career began with Dunchurch Silver Band where successes included wins at Milton Keynes Entertainment contest, West Midlands Association and the Radio Birmingham Competition.
After a short break away from Brass bands he became Musical Director of Bulkington Silver Band and won the 4th Section Midland Area Championships in 1986 resulting in promotion to the 3rd Section. In 1987 The Band won the 3 rd Section Area Championships and were promoted to the 2nd Section coming 3rd in their new section in 1988. In 1990 Gary won the 2nd Section with Bulkington by 4 clear points and the band was promoted to the Championship section. In the short space of 5 years he took Bulkington from the 4th Section to the Championship section.
In 1993 Gary was appointed Musical Director of Bedworth Brass. In 1994 they came second in the Midland area and won many contests. The Band was promoted to the second section before Gary left the Band in 1995 due to ill health.
Since his retirement as a Headteacher Gary has once again taken up the Baton, both with District of Dunchurch Brass and on a freelance basis. Last year he stepped in at Avonbank (Evesham) whilst their conductor had major surgery and this year he conducted Cubbington Silver at the Midland area Championships taking First prize in the 3rd Section.
He will be conducting Cubbington at the National Finals in Harrogate 2009.
Provided by G Smallwood
National Finals at Harrogate 20/10/09
Gary Smallwood and the Cubbington Silver Band Finished 3rd out of 17 bands.
Leamington contest 22nd November 2009 in the 3rd section.
They finished first It was the first time Cubbington Silver Band had won their local Contest
Midland area Championships 13 th March 2010
Gary will be conducting Cubbington Silver Band again at this year’s Area
