*
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    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


The Hepworth Band - A Mother's Day Gala Concert with HD9 Youth Brass

Sunday 30 March • The Civic, Holmfirth HD9 3AS


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Croy Silver Band

March 30 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet, E-flat Bass and Percussion, but also welcomes enquiries for any section of the band. We rehearse in Croy on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:30pm.


Bedford Town Band

March 30 • BBb bass position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Bedford Town Band

March 30 • Principal trombone player position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd