Graham Sutton

Leicestershire born Graham Sutton began his brass banding career in the mid-seventies when, as a teenager, he joined The South Midland’s Welfare Band on Bb Bass. After South Mid’s a spell with Stanton Band followed but returned some years later for a longer spell.

Graham soon began conducting quartets and it was clear, even in the earliest years that his vocation was to be ‘the man in the middle.’ It was while with South Mid’s that Graham brought together the younger members of the band and Barlestone Band to form the Coalville Youth Band.

The late 1980’s saw Graham taking on the position of  Musical Director of the Croft Silver Band whom he took from fourth to the second section, winning a number of contests on the way, and twice qualifying for the National Finals.

He then gained a prize with Unity ‘B’ for a one off contest at Leamington Spa and it was at this time that South Mid’s now known as the Leicestershire Co-op Band, by then in severe difficulties, approached Graham for his help. Under his guidance they amalgamated with Charnwood Brass to become Leicestershire Co-op, Snibston, Charnwood Brass and within a year their fortunes were turned around as they began taking prizes at contests across the country.

After leaving Leicestershire Co-op Band Graham continued to enjoy considerable success with the highly acclaimed Fosse Brass Ensemble, conducting them at major events and appearing at venues as prestigious as Chatsworth House. A very happy and successful period of five years was spent with Fosse Brass and merging into that a three year success with the Syston Band.

In May 2006 his enthusiasm and ambitions for future success continued with the Ibstock Brick Brass (1^st Section) who then experienced his expertise until March 2008.

In June 2008 Graham joined Musical Director Lee Blankley at The Melton Band  and a joint partnership was formed. Due to other commitments Lee has since moved on leaving Graham as the current Musical Director.