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, pop groups, big bands and orchestras on an array of different instruments He has conducted professional bands and choirs at all levels from primary school demonstrations through to Royal Occasions encompassing a wide variety of genres. The British Army had two professional choirs within its ranks, one of which was formed by Ian and he subsequently conducted the choir both nationally and internationally until his retirement. In 2004 Ian’s choir was chosen to sing at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Ian has toured the world as a musician and has performed fanfares for the Royal Variety 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 he led a team of musicians onto the stage of the nationally acclaimed Sights and Sounds of Christmas at Thursford, Norfolk where he and his wife, Tracie Penwarden met. Ian also owns the music shop Penwarden Music.
