Behind the music with James Screaton

For a decade, James Screaton has led the cornet section of the GUS Band as Principal Cornet, combining technical brilliance with a deep appreciation for brass band heritage. In this interview, James shares his musical journey, proudest moments, and what makes performing with GUS Band so special.

James’s passion for the role is clear. “Playing for a band like GUS, with its long and rich history, has been great to research and find out about,” he says. For James, the best part of brass banding is the people and the audiences: “Whether it’s the Royal Albert Hall or a local church, playing to an appreciative audience is always rewarding.”

Among many memorable performances one stands out, winning best soloist at the 2024 Dr Martin’s Contest for his rendition of Concertpiece for Cornet by James Curnow. “It was my first solo prize, and it gave me a great feeling to follow in the footsteps of former principal cornets over the band’s long history.”

His journey started thanks to a neighbour who conducted the local junior band in Enderby, Leicestershire. “She invited me to concerts and even gave me lessons on the cornet. There’s a photo of me joining in on percussion, so she obviously helped sow the seeds early on.” he recalls. That encouragement led to ten years with Enderby Band, where he eventually became Principal Cornet of the senior band.

His earliest musical memory? Singing along to songs from the 1960s on car journeys with his parents. “If I didn’t play brass, I’d definitely want to do more singing,” he admits.

James credits his teachers for shaping his playing, including Richard Marshall and Ian Porthouse during his time at Birmingham Conservatoire. He also highlights Kirsty Abbotts, who he met at Wessex Band Summer School and later played with in the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band and at the British Open Championships. James has since been able to join the amazing tutoring staff at Wessex Band Summer School, passing on his experiences to the course delegates. 

James enjoys practising and makes sure to play every day, whether at home or in rehearsal. His favourite moments are performing cornet solos in concerts, especially those written specifically for him. “It’s a privilege to share music that’s been created for you,” he says.

The best thing about performing? "It’s a lifelong hobby that can, if you’re lucky, take you all over the country and even the world.” The worst? “Sometimes having to make tough committee decisions, but someone has to do it!”

Audiences can look forward to “a classy and exciting performance of musical variety, displaying the talents from across our band,” James promises.

James Screaton performs with the GUS Band on Saturday 17 January 2026, 7.30pm at Pudsey Civic Hall. 

Book tickets