About Us

In concert at London's Greenwich Park. Photos by Roger Stevens ARPS

The Greenwich Concert Band was formed in 1988 with musicians who originally formed the Greenwich Youth Band, but wanted to extend their repertoire with more advanced music. The GCB now attracts musicians of a high calibre from all over SE London, but maintains close links with the Youth Band, providing support for concerts, music and a natural progression when the members mature both in age and musical ability. The two bands also share the valuable time of the same conductor, Chris Lloyd.

The Greenwich Concert Band provides excellent experience to musicians of all ages allowing them to continue their musical education and enjoyment long after their schooldays. The large repertoire of the band ranges from transcriptions of orchestral works, military band music, show, film, dance and other light music to performances of new works by local and national composers.

During the year, the Band performs at venues all over SE London, including churches, local concert halls, fetes and on park bandstands. We carry out fund raising activities for charities and other organisations when requested. As an amateur band our existence is sustained by proceeds from concerts we arrange ourselves which are fed back into funds to cover our costs; hire of rehearsal venues, purchase of music and concert expenses.

In August 1995 the Band was involved with the VJ Day Celebrations in Greenwich Park and in May 1996 took part in a BBC Radio 2 Broadcast for Sunday Half Hour. We have also played at the Blackheath Concert Halls and the Forum @ Greenwich In the last few years the band have introduced some new initiatives, touring Barcelona in 2002, visiting Dublin in 2003 and touring Lake Garda in 2004.

The Band has also recorded a CD, copies of which are available now for £10 including post and packaging (see the 'Hear Here' page on this site for some sound clips and further infomation).

The Greenwich Concert Band is a member of the National Federation of Music Societies.