Ian Porthouse was born in Cumbria in 1967 into a family of musicians. His father, a cornettist and mother a pianist/singer. At the age of 5 he began to take an interest in his dads trumpet, before being banned from playing for a short while for losing his fathers best mouthpiece whilst playing outdoors!

Ian joined the Flimby Saxhorn Silver Band on 3rd cornet where his father was principal cornet, within 5 years he would take over on the end himself.

Also around this time Ian became a founder member of the Cumbria Youth Brass Band under Richard Evans, who was to have a big impact on his musical career.

At the age of 16, Ian became the leader of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and led the band for 3 years in total.

Richard Evans invited Ian to join the Leyland Vehicles Band in 1984 and within 6 months he was the new principal cornet at the age of 17.

He went on to play with the Desford Colliery Band under James Watson, becoming National Champions 3 years in succession.
Ian has appeared as guest soloist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra on a TV soundtrack- Yorkshire Glory, conducted by Vernon Handley.

After living in New Zealand for a year and winning the national title with the St Kilda Band, Ian returned to the UK and became principal cornet with the Black Dyke Mills Band, winning another National title in 1993 and appearing as a soloist with them in the world famous Carnegie Hall- New York.
Ian has been principal cornet with the Yorkshire Building Society Band, winning 3 European Championships and the British Open in 1997, at this contest Ian was awarded the prize as most outstanding soloist.

In 1998 Ian became musical director of the newly formed Pennine Brass, taking them from the 2nd section to the championship in 2 years.

Ian gained another 2 National Championship wins with the Williams Fairey Band in 2002 and 2003 under Alan Withington.
As well as working for Rochdale Music Service, Ian is Director of Brass Band Studies at Birmingham Conservatoire, tutor to the National Youth Brass Band and for the Band Studies Course at Accrington and Rossendale College, again working with Richard Evans.

Last year Ian formed his own 12 piece brass ensemble, IPBrass, who have performed at many prestigious venues in their short existence culminating in the gala concert at the 2006 National Brass Band Championships held in the Royal Albert Hall and broadcast on BBC radio.

Recent conducting projects include several concerts with Grimethorpe Colliery Band and M.D. of this years European Youth Brass Band as part of the European Championships held in Birmingham.

Ian has recently taken up the position of musical director with Tredegar Town Band and is looking forward to a long and successful relationship with this famous band.

In June this year Ian recorded a selection of solos along with Nick Hudson and Steve Sykes accompanied by Pennine Brass for Brass Band Aid, of which Ian is a trustee.

Ian is married to Leanne, a fine cornettist herself and primary school teacher, and they have a son who goes by the name of Harry James Porthouse!