Award-winning conductor, arranger and composer Ian D. McElligott became Musical Director of Yorkshire Imperial Band in March 2025 and has since led one of Yorkshire's most respected brass bands through a period of continued success. Under his direction, the band has continued to strengthen its position within the fiercely competitive Yorkshire Championship Section and, in May 2026, secured promotion from the Senior Trophy to the Senior Cup at the British Open Spring Festival.

Born and educated in North Yorkshire, Ian enjoyed a distinguished 28-year military music career as a trumpeter and conductor in the British Army, rising through every rank from Musician to Major. Since leaving military service, he has become one of the brass band movement's most respected musical figures, holding senior conducting positions with bands including Brighouse & Rastrick, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, Staines Brass and Sandhurst Silver Band.

Ian is particularly renowned for his creative programming and acclaimed arrangements. While Resident Musical Director of Brighouse & Rastrick Band, he devised and produced the band's winning Brass in Concert programme Tango: The Art of Seduction, receiving the prestigious New Arrangement/Composition Award for his arrangement of Astor Piazzolla's Adios Nonino. He remains closely involved with Brighouse & Rastrick as ‘Arranger in Residence’ and ‘Musical Consultant’.

At Yorkshire Imperial Band, Ian has become a driving force behind the band's musical development, helping to shape its direction and continued success. His broad experience as a conductor, arranger and educator, combined with the commitment and talent of the players, has further strengthened Yorkshire Imperial's impressive musical reputation both on the concert platform and in competition.

The Yorkshire Imperial Band has been shaped by some of the finest conductors in the brass band movement. From the early days under the guidance of legendary bandmasters, through the golden era with Trevor Walmsley and Denis Carr, to the modern era with Musical Directors including Stig Maersk, Steve Walsh, Martin Heartfield, and David Hamilton, the band has always attracted top-class musical leadership.

Ian McElligott continues this proud tradition, guiding the band as it competes in the Championship Section and performs at prestigious venues across the country.