Gary started playing in 1980, aged 10, at Cherry Tree Junior School, joining his first band, Denton Original B Band, in 1981. He moved to Thornsett in 1984, where he played Principal Cornet for 3 years. He then moved to Marple on Front row in February 1989. In October 1989 he joined Faireys on 3rd cornet, moving up to 2nd cornet then 3rd man. He left the band in December 2000 to concentrate on a career move and college work.
Work wise, Gary left school in 1986 and served an engineering apprenticeship under Alan Wycherley, working as a Mechanical Engineer until September 1998 when he enrolled at the RNCM to study trumpet, with tutors Murray Greig, John Miller, Howard Snell and James Gourlay. He graduated in July 2002, winning the Harry Mortimer Brass Student of the Year. He is currently Head of Music at Priestnall Secondary School, Stockport.
He lives in Glossop with his wife Alison, daughter Byrd and son George.