Introducing our Musical Director
Ian Peaple
Born in Southampton, Ian Peaple was discovered to have perfect pitch at the age of six. He 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.
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.
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.
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, theatre and following the (mis)fortunes of Southampton Football Club.
Come and Join the Band
Romsey Bandstand: 23rd August 2026
“What a way to spend a delightfully typical English summer afternoon! – Listening to the superb playing of Lymington Town Band beside the bandstand in Romsey War Memorial park. They performed music of all genres: classical, dance band, film, musicals, 60’s and 70’s and of course marches. Individual band members showed their incredible talent with solos such as Whitney Houston’s 1988 Olympics tune ‘One Moment in Time’ played by their very own Whitney; Paul on the trumpet. Another example was a beautiful rendition on the Alto Sax of ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother’ by Anne, and also Jackie showing her wonderful jazz interpretation on the clarinet with the ‘Lullaby of Birdland’. The band excelled themselves for large audience in the bright sun of a very hot Sunday afternoon.” – Anon.
Lymington Pier: 11th July 2026
The band had it’s second opportunity to bring music to Lymington Pier on 11th July. Perspiring a little in the unbroken sunshine, the band performed a selection of marches, popular songs and film music. Many travellers were initially surprised to see and hear the band, but all seemed to appreciate the music as they waited to embark the ferry. A comment received by a band member later that day was “I heard a good band as I departed Lymington for Yarmouth this morning”.
Music by the Seaside: Swanage 5th July 2026
Lymington Town Band thoroughly enjoyed a trip further down the coast to Swanage to perform on the magnificent Swanage bandstand. Guided by musical director Tony Waller the band performed a range of music from stage, screen and concert hall. The music was very well received by holiday makers and local residents alike.
The next opportunity to hear the band is on Saturday 11th July, where we will be serenading travellers arriving on the train and ferry at Lymington Pier.
“Concert Hall to Silver Screen” 25th April 2026
The band performed a selection of concert hall and cinema favourites at St. John’s church in Hythe. Audience feedback was appreciative, eliciting an encore of the Radetzky March. One lady commented how much she had enjoyed “La La Land” and another posted on social media “Spent a lovely afternoon at St John’s church listening to Lymington Town Band … it all sounded very professional”.
Check out our Diary Dates page for other performances planned for this year.