The Aldbourne Band has announced that Jonathan Pippen will lead the West of England band at the Grand Shield contest in Blackpool on the weekend.

Clash

Unfortunately, the contest date clashed with marriage of MD Josh Ruck’s sister, so with family commitments quite rightly taking precedent, the band moved quickly to announce a new engagement of their own with the trombone star and MD of Staines Brass.

It’s been great to team up with Aldbourne for the Grand Shield. Josh has prepared them so well and I’m really excited to be taking such a committed ensemble to the contestJonathan Pippen

Great team

Jonathan told 4BR: “It’s been great to team up with Aldbourne for the Grand Shield. Josh has prepared them so well and I’m really excited to be taking such a committed ensemble to the contest.”

He added: “Everyone has been enjoying ‘Arabian Nights’ and it’s a great piece for both players and conductor to explore and perform. I'm certainly enjoying every minute and I can hopefully guide the band to the result their hard work deserves.”