*
banner

Pippen to pop up at Staffs

The Staffordshire Band has announced that Jonathan Pippen will take on the role of Associate Conductor.

John Pippen
 

The Staffordshire Band has announced that it has appointed Jonathan Pippen as its new Associate Conductor to work with MD, David Purkiss.

Excellence

The highly respected freelance trombonist and conductor has gained a growing reputation for musical excellence on both fields during his career — notably in the past year with his solo performance of 'Freaks' by Gavin Higgins on the award winning 'Dark Arteries' CD by Tredegar Band, and by rejuvenating the contesting fortunes of Staines Brass.

Vietnam

In the next month or so he will also be leading Desford Band on a ground breaking trip to Vietnam, whilst in the last few years he has also directed ensembles of the Royal Air Force Bands, the Remix Ensemble and a film session for West One Music in 2015, which was used in trailers for the film 'Ecliptuium'.

Chemistry

Band Chairman, Shaun Elliott, told 4BR: "'This is great news for the band. It was obvious from the beginning that he was a conductor that we would very much enjoy working with as there was a sense of real musical chemistry between us.

He has a wealth of top class playing experience and he is such an exciting conducting talent. I'm sure that our new partnership with Jonathan and David Purkiss will only enhance our confidence and progress."

He continued: "I would like to place on record our thanks to Leigh Baker, who has had to step down from this position due to his increasing commitments elsewhere. He has become a great friend of the band and has done a fantastic job for us over the past three years. We wish him well."

He has a wealth of top class playing experience and he is such an exciting conducting talent. I'm sure that our new partnership with Jonathan and David Purkiss will only enhance our confidence and progressShaun Elliott

Great opportunity

Speaking to 4BR, Jonathan added: "This is a great opportunity to work with another ambitious, well run band, led by an MD with so much musical experience. I'm looking forward to it — and to helping Staffordshire continue on their very solid progress."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Close Shave

KNDS Fairey look forward to A Close Shave with Wallace & Gromit

August 22 • A special double bill of Wallace & Gromit films plus extras will be heard in a very special concert in London in November.


Touch of Brass

Radio: Touch of Brass

August 22 • More brass bands music to enjoy from presenters Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


New South Wales

Live stream coverage of 130th New South Wales State Championships

August 22 • Tim Kelly is bringing all the action from Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.


Foden's Youth Band

Foden's Youth Band set to carry on 15th season of player development

August 22 • Registration is now open to be part of the 2026/27 Foden's Youth Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd