Ian Anderson grew up in Derby, England and began playing the cornet at the age of 6 under the tutelage of his father, Arnold Anderson, who was the Bandmaster of the Derby Salvation Army Band. He was principal of the Derby Central SA Band at the age of 17 and held that position until he moved, at the behest of his employer Rolls-Royce plc, to New York at the age of 27. He became a member of the Montclair Salvation Army Band and joined the Solo Cornet section of the famed New York Staff Band in 1980. During the net 10 years, he toured 10 countries with these bands, playing concerts from the Sydney Opera House to the Royal Albert Hall, London.

In 1990, Rolls-Royce relocated its US headquarters to Virginia and Ian, with his wife, Faith, and son Ian James, moved to the outskirts of Washington, DC where he attended the Arlington Salvation Army Corps and began an 18 year relationship with the Salvation Army’s National Capital Band, including 10 years as it’s Principal cornet. Overseas campaigns included visits to 9 countries, including two visits to Russia.

Ian retired from Rolls-Royce as Vice President of Commercial Business after 40 years and moved back to New York to manage a Salvation Army Residence for Young Women. He was able to return to the New York Staff Band and enjoy further overseas trips to the UK and Ireland, as well as playing with the Band at Carnegie Hall as part of its 125th Anniversary.

Ian and his wife now live in retirement in Scarborough, Maine, where he plays in the local Old Orchard Beach SA Band, as well as being a member of the New England Brass Band, in which he currently serves as it’s Principal cornet.