Tom Hutchinson is one of the most distinguished cornet players of his generation, renowned for his technical mastery, musical sensitivity, and leadership of brass bands at the highest level.
Tom first picked up the cornet aged nine, beginning in his local band Stannington and, by his teens, he was already making his mark. He went on to become principal cornet of the Barnsley Building Society Band, then at 15 joined the Rothwell Temperance Band in the same position. Early in his career he was a soloist and leader with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain- a formative time during which his talent was first recognised by Dr Nicholas Childs. Invited by Dr Childs to join the Black Dyke Band, Tom spent four years at Queensbury, initially on repiano cornet and later on solo cornet. During that time, he contributed to major contest successes, toured across Europe and Australia, and featured on multiple CD, radio and TV appearances.
After graduating from the Royal Northern College of Music in 2009 (studying under Richard Marshall), Tom was appointed Principal Cornet of the Cory Band by Dr Robert Childs- a move that launched one of the most successful eras in Cory’s history. Under Tom’s leadership, Cory won four British Opens, four National Finals, five European Championships and nine Brass in Concert titles. Cory also achieved the historic ‘grand slam’ in 2016 and 2019 under the band’s current musical director Philip Harper. Tom earned the band’s “Player of the Year” award on five occasions and released two acclaimed solo albums (‘In Principal’ and ‘This Way’) during his sixteen-year tenure.
In November 2025, Tom was appointed Principal Cornet of the Black Dyke Band, succeeding Richard Marshall after his distinguished twenty-year tenure. His return to Queensbury signalled a major professional milestone, placing him once again at the forefront of one of the world’s most celebrated brass bands. Describing the role as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity”, Tom approaches the position with a commitment to both artistic excellence and the development of emerging talent.
His outstanding musicianship, breadth of international experience, and dedication to education continue to establish him as a respected performer, mentor, and advocate for brass banding on the global stage.