*
banner

Death of Julian Smith

The death has been announced of Julian Smith, the respected musician, trombone player and teacher.

Cross
  The death has been announced of Julian Smith

4BR has been informed of the death of the respected musician, trombone player and teacher Julian Smith. He was aged 48.

'Jools' to his friends, started playing the trombone with the Severn Tunnel Band in south Wales. His family moved from Caldicot to Ebbw Vale where he quickly got involved in music making with the likes of Tredegar Youth Band, the Gwent Youth Brass Band, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Wales.

Love and dedication

His love and dedication to music saw him head to Goldsmiths, University of London, and later to study music education at the Institute of Education, University of London.

He later taught at Thomas Tallis School in Kidbrooke, London, where he met his future wife, Alex. They married in 2005 and relocated to Leamington Spa to assume the role of Head of Music at Kingsley School, where the family grew with the arrival of daughters Rebecca and Charlie.

Through his teaching career Julian inspired countless students to cultivate their passion for music as an integral part of their lives.

Remarkable teacher

A former student said: "He was truly a remarkable teacher who inspired so many Kingsley pupils to go on and do great things. He always knew just what to say with a motivational speech or two."

Julian also organised many extra-curricular concerts and trips, taking his students to see operas at home and abroad. He also maintained contact with dozens of them as they progressed to university and adulthood.

Over the years he also performed with many ensembles, including Jaguar Land Rover Band, Warwick Symphony Orchestra, Leamington Chamber Orchestra, Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bourton Trombone Choir, among others.

Dedicated

For the last 17 years, he was dedicated member of the Jaguar Land Rover Band (Brass Band of Central England), serving as a player, committee member and, in more recent years, conductor.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "His invaluable contributions have been instrumental in the band's success. Jools played a central role, looking out for others and offering encouragement to all. He was deeply cherished for his sense of humour, musical talent, and compassionate nature. Everyone will miss him greatly.

Our hearts go out to Alex, Rebecca, Charlotte, and his entire family during this difficult time as they come to terms with their loss."

He was deeply cherished for his sense of humour, musical talent, and compassionate nature. Everyone will miss him greatlyBrass Band of Central England

Funeral

A ceremony commemorating his life will take place on Thursday, 30th March (2.00pm) at All Saints' Church, Victoria Terrace, Leamington Spa (CV31 1AA). A reception will take place at The Kingsley School, Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa (CV32 5RD) to celebrate his life.

It is the family's wish that attendees are free to wear whatever they feel comfortable in rather than traditional black attire.

Parking near the church is limited, so please allow extra time to find parking.

The family has requested that flowers be reserved for the family only. However, donations are welcome in Julian's memory, either to a charity of your choosing or to
www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/donate/

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    


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Lewis Barton

Barton broadcast launches NXTOD series

September 26 • A new series rom NXTOD films will start with a showcase of the recital talents of rising star Lewis Barton.


Oldroyd

Oldroyd EVO continues to make its mark on performers

September 26 • The maker says it is attracting interest and customers for instruments with incredible potential.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd