60th birthday greetings have been sent from across the banding world to Chris Jeans, after the renowned trombonist and inspirational conductor reached the landmark today (24th September)

Lordship

Popularly referred to as either 'The Man with Golden Trombone' or 'Lord Blaston of Leicestershire', after he cheekily 'inherited' a defunct title some years ago, he has performed at the very highest level with bands such as Sun Life, Desford and Ransome, to Black Dyke, YBS and for many years with the GUS Band.

Solo performances have been made at Carnegie Hall in New York and Albert Hall in London, he has been the Champion Trombone Player of Great Britain and Brass in Concert Solo Award winner and has performed along artists such as Tony Bennett and Lesley Garrett.

He is now the Musical Director of the famous Kettering Band, a role he combines with that of Youth Brass 2000 which has led from its inception 30 years ago.

Success

That partnership has become arguably the most successful in the youth band world — leading them to multiple European, National, British Open, Butlins, BrassFest, Action Medical Research, French Open and Tameside victories.

In 2009 he was presented with the prestigious Brian Hicks Memorial Award for his continued service and outstanding dedication to youth bands in Great Britain — something that has been combined with an outstanding teaching career.

I'm sure everyone in the banding world will join me in sending their best wishes to a wonderful musician and personDon Collins

Wonderful musician

As his great friend Don Collins told 4BR: "I'm sure everyone in the banding world will join me in sending their best wishes to a wonderful musician and person.

His playing, teaching and conducting speaks for itself, but his legacy of inspiring young players through his professional work and especially with Youth Brass 2000 will I'm sure keep him young at heart for many more years to come."