Trombone star Jonathan Pippen is set to make a return to civilian life after eight enjoyable years playing for the Queen’s shilling with the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Outstanding career

The former principal trombone of the Remix Ensemble in Porto, Brighouse & Rastrick, Grimethorpe and Tredegar, joined the RAF in 2007, and has enjoyed an outstanding career with the famous Central Band and Squadronaires at events such as the Royal Wedding, Diamond Jubilee and Festival of Remembrance.

However, new musical opportunities have meant he has decided time is right to hang up his marching boots and once again enter into the UK freelance scene as a performer, soloist and conductor.

Lucky

“I've been lucky enough to play at some incredible events with the RAF Band and have made some great friends,” he told 4BR.

“However, I feel I've taken my RAF career as far as is possible without having to compromise musically to succeed, so it's just time for me to move on. Corporal Pippen has to sign off!”

Looking forward

He added: “I’m really looking forward to doing more orchestral work and to expand my commitments as a soloist, teacher, conductor and adjudicator.

I’ve got exciting plans to develop a new trombone quartet and to get involved again in the brass band world — starting with a wonderful opportunity to adjudicate at the Whit Friday contests in May and the UniBrass Championship.”

This is such an exciting new chapter in my musical life that it now looks like I may be able to do much more of the type of banding that I loveJonathan Pippen

Further

Jonathan is currently the MD at Staines Brass and is Principal trombone with Desford Band — two parts of his musical life that he wishes to pursue further.

“I’m hopeful that this opportunity can also further develop those aspects — as I do enjoy then both.

This is such an exciting new chapter in my musical life that it now looks like I may be able to do much more of the type of banding that I love.”