4BR has been informed of the death of the exceptional soprano player and conductor David Jones.

Regarded as one of the finest soprano players of his generation, he passed away on Friday 22nd June.

Distinguished career

David moved to Northamptonshire to occupy the soprano cornet position with the G.U.S (Footwear) Band in 1967, a position he held for 23 years. He was only the third soprano player to occupy the seat since its formation in 1933.

During his time, the band won the World Championship and British Open titles, as well as a brace of BBC Band of the Year, Wills European and Best of Brass Championship victories, to go with a plethora of Area and other contest successes.

Featured

He was featured on numerous critically acclaimed recordings, especially with the EMI label, as well as over 50 live BBC recordings both on radio and television.

David was also a member of Harry Mortimer’s All Stars and Men of Brass. During his tenure, he also played with all the elite bands of his era.

David moved to Northamptonshire to occupy the soprano cornet position with the G.U.S (Footwear) Band in 1967, a position he held for 23 years4BR

Conducting

Since retiring from playing David was involved conducting bands of all levels, enjoying a great deal of success.

He was appointed Musical Director of Towcester Studio Band in February 2010, where he quickly inspired the band to produce some of their finest performances in concerts and competitions.

Tribute

The band performed a concert on Saturday 23rd June, a concert David was to direct and conduct.

Conductor Bob Stradling, who knew David very well, spoke with great affection and insight about his immense contribution to the banding movement, whilst the band played the exact music set David had put together earlier in the week along with the hymn tune ‘Abide with Me’ requested by his son Tim in memory of his father.

Proud

A spokesperson told 4BR: "A proud Cornishman, David made sure the concert music contained a Cornish element, whilst the band really played from the heart. David would be very proud. Our thoughts are with his Wife, family and friends."

Funeral

The funeral will be held on Monday 9th July in Kettering.