Dr Stephen Cobb Retires from ISB
Following discussions with Territorial Leadership, after fifty years of service with The International Staff Band including thirty years as leader of the band, Dr Stephen Cobb will relinquish his tenure as bandmaster in January 2026 at the end of the band’s engagement at the Regent Hall Corps.
As Territorial Music Director for the United Kingdom Territory, Dr Stephen Cobb oversees all aspects of The Salvation Army's musical and arts ministries. In addition to that major responsibility, he has directed since 1994 the premiere brass band of the denomination, the International Staff Band. In these positions he has ably followed some of The Salvation Army's most famous music leaders and conductors.
Stephen has led The International Staff Band through an exciting period of innovation that has seen the band's profile in the wider brass band movement significantly raised. His innovative leadership in SA music has brought about a renewed vigour to that great musical tradition, marked symbolically by the establishment of the Territorial Youth Band (directed by Dr Cobb), a group made up of the finest young players in the territory. In 2010 Dr. Cobb received the Iles Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his contributions to brass bands and their music.
A music educator by profession and training (his initial degrees the MA and BA (Hons) Cert-Ed), in July 2006 Dr Cobb completed the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts, in instrumental conducting, at Salford University.
As Bandmaster of The International Staff Band, and until recently Bandmaster of the Hendon Salvation Army Band, Stephen has achieved the highest standards of musicianship and musical ministry, providing outstanding models for the worldwide Salvation Army musical fellowship. Recordings, concerts, and international tours with both ensembles have received the highest critical praise and affirmation.
Commenting on social media a spokesperson from Territorial Leadership stated, “On Saturday 24 January 2026, we’ll gather at Regent Hall Corps for a special evening marking an extraordinary milestone: Dr Stephen Cobb’s 50 years of service with The International Staff Band.
“The International Staff Band is excited to have the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Dr Stephen Cobb's 50 years' service within the Band. We hope you will join us on Saturday 24 January 2026 at Regent Hall Corps for a great evening of music, conversation, worship and one or two surprises along the way. Expect music, conversation, worship—and a few surprises—as we reflect on and celebrate a remarkable legacy.
“Territorial Leadership expresses deep gratitude to Dr Stephen Cobb for his outstanding service, ministry, and influence. A further announcement will be made shortly regarding his successor.”
