*
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    


Tameside

Results: 2026 Tameside Whit Friday

June 2 • Foden's retain their Whit Friday title with a Presidential flourish in Tameside.


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Cambrian Brass

June 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


East London Brass

June 1 • Solo Cornet : fresh off the back of our promotion to the Grand Shield, ELB are on the look out for a solo cornet player to complement our existing section. The band is ambitious and has an exciting second half of the year ahead.


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd