* Philip Jones; Trumpeter Led Brass Ensemble

Philip Jones, 71, British trumpeter who played in symphony orchestras and toured internationally with his Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. His group renamed itself London Brass in 1986 when Jones retired, deciding to teach rather than play after he accidentally drove over his own trumpet case. Born into a family of trumpeters, Jones had a lifelong quest to prove that brass instruments could hold center stage and captivate audiences. He started his brass ensemble in 1951, toured more than 30 countries and made 50 recordings. Trained at the Royal College of Music, Jones played with the Royal Philharmonic, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, the New Philharmonia Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as his own group. Unlike many brass ensembles, Jones’ group stuck to classical music, and where no music existed for brass, inspired composers to create new pieces. During his tenure, his ensemble played the world premieres of 87 pieces. “We still get confused with brass bands, like those miners’ bands that come out of the shafts, wash up and play during the lunch hour,” Jones told The Times before a performance in Laguna Beach in 1986. “But we’re lucky; a lot of people have heard of us, and they have found that brass music isn’t really such dreadful stuff after all.” On Jan. 17 in London.