It was in 1975 that Michael Pearce, who was serving as a trombonist with the Grenadier Guards, was asked to take over.
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, the highlight of which is their Annual Grand Concert.
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.
The concert band supports local charities which include performing at the Harlow Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Service and also donating the proceeds of their carol playing at Christmas to worthy causes.
Michael Pearce started playing the trombone at the age of 11 at secondary school under George Atkinson. George was an inspiration to those he taught and many still play, perform and teach today.
On leaving school at the age of fifteen Michael enlisted into the Grenadier Guards as a junior musician. At the age of seventeen and a half he went on to study at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall before joining the Grenadier Guards Band in 1969.
Army service took him to many parts of the world including America, Hong Kong and the Continent, performing with both the Military Band and the Regimental dance Band.
It was in 1970 while still serving in the Army that Michael also became a part time brass instrumental teacher for Essex County Council, something he still does to date.
It has given him a great deal of satisfaction to see past pupils and Concert Band members go on to study music and enter the profession as performers and teachers.
The Harlow Concert Band was formed as a band for young musicians in November 1969 by the late 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.
