Jon Penton was born and educated in Warwickshire, starting brass lessons at the age of 8 with the County Music Service, using his father's trumpet.
At the age of 16 he took the advice of his teacher, Stephen Cooper, to take up the euphonium, as his trumpet tone was capable of stripping paint from walls (a talent that he still possesses).
He subsequently attended a specialist music 6th form college, RNCM and Birmingham Conservatoire gaining BMus(hons) and P.G.C.E.
During these years Jon played euphonium, baritone, and trombone with: Daw Mill Colliery Band, Ibstock Building Products Band, Wigston Band, and Sovereign Brass.
Since becoming a qualified teacher Jon has been a peripatetic music teacher for East Sussex Music Service. Highlights have included conducting the Hastings Area Wind band at Symphony Hall and directing the Hastings Area Jazz band at the Adrian Boult Hall in the final of the National Festival of Music for Youth. Jon has recently been promoted to Regional Leader for the north of the county.
Jon very much enjoys conducting BTB, and is looking forward to developing this progressive ensemble in the coming year.
