Ellis started his musical life with a note from his mum, sending him into school to collect a violin and start string lessons. He can home with a trumpet! Throughout his childhood and into his teens, Ellis played in Wind Bands, Big Bands, Brass Bands, Orchestras and smaller ensembles with the Berkshire Young Musicians’ Trust (now Berkshire Maestros), making his way up to County level and receiving a scholarship in his final year. He has played at many of the countries’ top venues, including The Royal Festival Hall, The Royal Albert Hall and for many prestigious occasions, including The National Festival of Youth.

Having taken a few years off playing after university, Ellis re-kindled his love of music through Brass Banding in Suffolk, where he was living, playing for The Ipswich and Norwich Co-op Band on Soprano Cornet, and Castleton Brass on Principal Cornet. His love of Brass Banding has grown and grown over the last 10 years, leading him to play in many of the National Contests (both Regionals and Finals) for all levels of banding. In 2016, he moved to Somerset and started playing for Burtle Silver Band, a very local village band, whilst conducting Burnham and Highbridge Band. On moving to Devon in 2017, Ellis found Lyme Regis Town Band and instantly fell in love with the atmosphere, the fun and the friendly approach to playing. After sitting in the Bumper Up and Soprano seats (and once on Eb Bass!) and leading the Training Band for many years, the opportunity arose for him to take the baton and conduct the band.

Since 2025, Ellis has been leading the band in concerts both local and further afield, large and small. Having seen the band progress under the previous Musical Director, he cannot wait to see what the future bring for The Lyme Regis Town Band.