Jef Sparkes

Playing History

Jef began playing the tenor horn at the age of 5 before moving on to euphonium and the tuba. He became a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and National Youth Brass Band of Wales. At the age of fourteen he joined the famous Fodens Band and became one of only three players to do so at such a young age. In recent years he has occupied chairs with the Williams Fairy Band, Point of Ayr and British Telecom Bands. Jef took over the baton from his father in 1999 and has led the band to numerous victories culminating in promotion to the illustrious championship section

Personal Biography

Jef is employed within the motor industry as Business Manager for Ken Jervis Kia Ltd in Stoke on Trent.
Following the great Sparkes family tradition Jef has been involved in brass bands since he was 5 and is very pleased to be married to the bands Flugel Horn Soloist – Sarah. They have a young son Ethan and along with Jef’s two children Nick and Becki the house is never a dull place to be.
Over the last ten years Jef has put much effort into improving the professionalism and organisation of the band and this has helped with the stability of personel.
In recent years he has won heats of The Young Conductor of the year and more recently qualified for the final of 2008 Conductor of the year.
One of the biggest pleasures for Jef was being presented with the bands “bandsman of the year award” for 2007 chosen by the Bands players.Although this came as a total surprise it was a "tremendous honour" and a reflection of the bands appreciation of all the hard work he continues to put into the playing of the Band.

Musical Director

Photography by Skilly and Carl Ball