*
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    


EverReady Band

New duo at EverReady

January 10 • New talent is welcomed at EverReady Band as they say a fond farewell to a stalwart performer.


Mallinson

Hammonds sign NYBBGB flugel Mallinson

January 10 • The Hammonds Band has signed Noah Mallinson as their new flugel horn player.


John Wallace CBE

John Wallace becomes new Honorary Vice President at coop

January 10 • The Brass in Concert champion has spoken of its pride that John Wallace CBE has become its new Honorary Vice President.


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd