The Story So Far
The Harlow Concert Band was formed in November 1969 as a band for young musicians by the late Tom Joudrey. Under Tom's direction, the band thrived and had a membership of approximately forty young players. Unfortunately, due to ill health Tom had to stand down after some five years' service.
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It was in 1975 that Michael Pearce was asked to take over as conductor. At that time, he was still serving with the Grenadier Guards Band playing trombone and working as a brass instrumental teacher for Essex County Council (now Essex Music Services).
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From day one, the band has had an enthusiastic membership with the support of parents and friends who gave their time to serve as band committee members. Their support has been, and still is, greatly appreciated.
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Year on year, the band has grown, and improved to the standard we are now. 2025 marks the 50th year for Michael, conducting the band.
"I have very happy memories of our earlier days. With little money in the band's bank account, I was able to borrow music from the Grenadier Guards band library in order to provide, and perform, entertaining programmes.
We also had the support of two previous Directors of Music of the Grenadier Guards band. Namely, Major Derek Kimberley, and Major Denis Burton. both, over time, have come to Harlow as guest Conductors"
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We formed our first Band Club about thirty five years ago. This helped players still at school to gain confidence, and in turn, take up a place in the Concert Band. Under the leadership of Peter Foster, the Band Club was reformed 8 years ago. When COVID struck in 2020, the Band and Band Club had to cease meeting. When the all clear came and with new players joining the band we managed to resume Band stronger than before, and hope to restart Band Club too.
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Every year we present two trophies. One for our Player of The Year, and the other is a Memorial Shield awarded to the person who has given that bit extra in supporting the band's activities. This keeps alive the memory of past band members, who sadly, are no longer with us.
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The Concert Band has always been considered a community band, consisting of people with a great variety of occupations, and expertise.
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Michael would like to thank everyone who has been connected with the band over the years: the young, and now not so young players, Paul Cutler, our deputy Conductor, and the long roll of Committee Members who are an inspiration supporting our aims, and ambitions.
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Michael Pearce, Conductor
