Ian Peaple
Born in Southampton, Ian Peaple showed early musical promise as a pianist and cornet player and whilst at school, he played cornet with the Hampshire County Youth Band. At the age of 15, he opted for a career as a musician in the Army, specialising in trombone and piano.
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His first conducting experience came at the age of 23 when he was appointed Musical Director of a light operatic society in Kent. After two successful shows, his passion for conducting led to him entering the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall to embark on the three-year Bandmaster course. At the end of the course, he was awarded the Worshipful Company of Musicians Medal for finishing as top student.
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Since 1987, Ian has been a regular conductor of wind bands, brass bands and orchestras and has performed at home and abroad in some of the world’s most famous concert halls including the Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall. He gained a great deal of musical experience as a composer, teacher, examiner and adjudicator and he finally retired from Army Music in 2013 at the end of a long and successful career spanning over forty years.
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​​Away from music, Ian has worked as Branch Manager of the Royal British Legion in London, as a supply teacher, a foster carer and as a volunteer with many national and local charities. He lists his hobbies as travelling, cycling, camping and following the (mis)fortunes of Southampton Football Club.