Ian Allan
Before settling in Cumbria, Ian spent twenty three years as a conductor, trombonist, pianist and harpist in the British Army. In common with most military musicians Ian is extremely versatile having performed professionally with jazz bands, orchestras, pop groups and big bands on an array of different instruments.
He has conducted professional bands and choirs at all levels which include primary school demonstrations up to and including royal occasions encompassing a wide variety of genres, The British Army had two professional choirs within its ranks, one of which was formed and conducted by Ian and in 2004 his choir was chosen to perform at the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall.
Ian has toured the world as a musician and has performed fanfares for the Royal Vaariety Show and also led the fanfare team that heralded the reopening of the Brandenburg Gate in 1989. He is a prolific arranger having had several arrangements recorded commercially and for several years led a team of musicians on to the stage of the nationally acclaimed Sights and Sounds of Christmas at Thursford, Norfolk where he and his wife, Tracie Penwarden met
Ian administers and teaches in the music department at Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale, and also runs a choir for non-singers in Milnthorpe called Sing@ The Hub.
