Harlow Concert Band was originally formed as a band for young musicians in November 1969 by Tom Joudrey. Under Tom’s direction the band thrived and grew to about forty members. Unfortunately, due to ill health, he had to relinquish his position and stand down after some five years of service.
So in 1975 Michael Pearce, who was serving as a trombonist with the Grenadier Guards, was asked to take over. Subsequently the Band has been fortunate over the years to have been supported by successive Directors of music of the Grenadier Guards Band who have held the position of president. The current president is Major Denis Burton MMus FLCM ARCM psm.
The Concert Band has seen many changes over the years, which has enabled it to mature to its present standard. The current membership stands close to forty players. During the year the Band undertakes many engagements whose nature has also evolved.
In 2016, in his 41st year as Director of Music with the band, Mike, along with Peter Foster, who played first flute in the band for many years, and is a music teacher, together re-formed ‘Band Club’ (after many years of absence) for pupils learning to play a musical instrument. The doors of St. Stephen’s Church, Harlow, were opened on Sunday 14th February 2016 , to pupils from schools in Harlow and the surrounding district. This sadly had to stop during covid, but the band is looking to re start this in September 2024, so watch this space! Mike is also teaching a number of young trombone players at a local school.
Mike is looking to the future, when some, if not all, of the Junior Band will hopefully become an integral part of the Harlow Concert Band.