About Us

Following a lifetime of interest and participation in traditional and modern music, the Late Great John Wyndham founded the band in 1990 with a view of sharing music with his children and their friends. Under John’s direction and discipline the band became very successful.

He handed over the reins in 2013 to his son Johnpaul allowing John to take on the role of Band Founder thanks to the support, dedication and expertise of the volunteer instructors and staff whose assistance make the band so successful. John sadly passed away in July 2023, but his ethos of passion, pride and panache continues in the band as his legacy lives on.

Johnpaul is the Director of the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band. Prior to his current role of Band Director, Mr Wyndham was the Imperial Band Sergeant Major for 23 years. During his 23 years service as the Band Sergeant Major he toured with the band all over the United Kingdom, Europe, and as far West as California, USA, and as far east as Moscow, Russia.
As with all of the adult training staff at the Imperial Band, Mr Wyndham is an unpaid volunteer. He commits his time driven by a personal determination that all young people should have the opportunity to learn music and be able to fulfill their ambitions. He also has a son and daughter in the band – third generation.

Jayne began her musical career at the age of 10 and joined the Brentwood based marching band to expand upon her musical studies. Jayne toured internationally with the band and now assists as an instructor, guiding new members. Jayne excels at fast tracking talent so that all beginners are able to make a musical contribution to the band as quickly as possible.

Ken began his musical career in boy service in 1964, at the age of 15. He first joined the regimental band of 15th/19th The Kings Royal Hussars in 1967 and attended Kneller Hall in 1967/68. In his time with the Hussars Band, he was stationed in Germany and Northern Ireland. After nine years, he transferred to the Staff Band of the Royal Army Medical Corps and was based in Keogh Barracks in Surrey. As a corps band, they travelled the world visiting military hospitals including Hong Kong and Cyprus. One stand out memory from his band was welcoming back the hospital ship Uganda from the Falklands. At this time, he also worked as a peripatetic teacher at a public school in Guildford.
After leaving the army, he played for the Wessex TA band in Winchester and then the Avon Fire Brigade Band. Following a 20 year break from music, Ken joined the Imperial band after relocating to the area.

Julie joined in 1992 and has so many wonderful memories of her years in the band, including meeting her husband! She now helps to teach the new children who walk through the band doors wanting to learn the clarinet or saxophone, and as a parent, she loves watching her two boys enjoy being part of the band. The friendships they develop with other like minded children and the skills they learn to provide them with an amazing opportunity to do so many things.

Amanda joined the band aged 11 in late 1991 after the band came to her school to give an assembly.
After her first evening, she was hooked. For her, the band was more than just making music. Amanda has performed with the band at the festival of Remembrance, marched in the parade of Roses in California, VE day parade in Holland, and was a part of the winning national championships band at the Royal Albert Hall.
Amanda has three daughters, who she has introduced to band life. She now is an instructor teaching beginner trumpet players.
Amanda finds it such a joy to share her passion for music and military-style marching bands with her children and all the band family.
For her, the band is more than just playing an instrument, it’s about team work and being part of an extended family full of fun and friendship.

Joe began playing music after he first saw the Changing the Guard in Windsor and was captivated by the sound and spectacle of the marching band. This led him to pick up the drums and then later the trombone, learning through the local music service in Bridgend, South Wales, where he was keen member of all youth music ensembles ranging from orchestras, big bands and contemporary brass ensembles. Following his passion for military music he joined the Royal Corps of Army Music in 2021 and got assigned to The Band of the Irish Guards in London at the start of January 2023 upon completion of his training. Since being in the band, he has had the privilege of being part of His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation and the first King’s Birthday Parade. In his spare time Joe continues to run his YouTube channel ‘Military Bands Everywhere’ that has seen him travel around the world filming and documenting the traditions of military musicians and the music that they play.

Phil first joined the band in 1999 and has many amazing memories, from performing at Amersfoort in the Netherlands to the 2009 Tournament of the Roses in California. After taking a 7-year break, he returned after COVID as an instructor for the lower brass section. He is a keen parkrunner and has a passion for music, bringing energy to our concerts as a conductor, as well as with his musical arrangements. Phil enjoys imparting his knowledge and experiences of over 25 years in the band to the younger generation, helping them to develop their teamwork, musical and communication skills. He also enjoys a pun and a one-liner!