*
banner

Jeans ends two decade link to The GUS Band

Chris Jeans has made the difficult decision to step down from his role as Artistic Director of The GUS Band.

Chris Jeans
  Chris Jeans has stepped down from his role as Artistic Director of The GUS Band

It has been announced that Chris Jeans has ended his two decade musical association with The GUS Band.

Speaking to 4BR the 61 year old said: "It's with a heavy heart that I've made this decision. My post-Covid workload with educational projects has increased greatly, and along with date clashes and my commitment to Youth Brass 2000 it has made it impossible to maintain the levels required by such an outstanding band."

He added: "My recent spell of ill health and subsequent operations have also made me realise that life is too short, and I need to slow down a bit. My body has been telling me to take it a bit easier."

Central role

Chris swapped the trombone for the Artistic Director baton at GUS in November 2018, and has played a central role in helping maintain their position as a major championship contender with commitment to the promotion of talented young players.

The band posted a top-ten finish at the National Finals in 2019 and claimed the Midlands Regional title in 2020, although his final appearance at the Grand Shield ended in them coming ninth.

Excellent support

He said: "When I first took over, I was aware of the need to bring in new talent to underpin a long term development plan. The support I was given was excellent and I think the band is now able to push forward once again.

The GUS Band is so close to my heart that I can only thank them for all that they have helped me to achieve and to enjoy in music. I wish them all the very, very best."

Chris highlighted a number of initiatives that have linked the band to Leicester Grammar School and Youth Brass 2000, whilst he also added that he hopes to continue to help develop the wider banding culture with his association with the French Open Championships where he is the President of the Jury.

The GUS Band is so close to my heart that I can only thank them for all that they have helped me to achieve and to enjoy in music. I wish them all the very, very bestChris Jeans

Long term development

He added: "The connections with Leicester Grammar School and Youth Brass 2000 are part of my belief in the vital importance of bands making strong educational links to nourish their long term development and sustainability.

The French Open is a wonderful event that also does so much for the links between bands across Europe. All this and with other new projects such as an Orchestral Instrumental Scheme and an Outreach Programme means that I will remain very busy, but with just a bit more time on my hands to enjoy relaxing."

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    


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


BBW

Brass Band World magazine: October edition

October 9 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — and it is packed with interviews, views, opinions and retrospectives — including a preview of this weekend's action at the Royal Albert Hall.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd