One of the University’s oldest and largest music societies will be celebrating its 40^th birthday later this month with a combined anniversary and reunion concert performed on campus by current students and alumni. Keele Concert Band (KCB) was set up in 1984 and currently has around 30 members, with 50-60 alumni members also taking part in the concert.

The two-hour performance, which will take place in the Chapel on Saturday 23^rd March from 7pm-9pm, will consist of music played by current band members in the first half, while the second will contain pieces chosen by alumni members that they played during their time in the band and will be performed by both current and former members. The performing ensemble consists of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, and songs will range from film music, including the likes of Indiana Jones and The Incredibles, to concert band favourites such as Light Walk and Instant Concert.

Secretary for KCB and second-year History student Harriet Dutton says, “Preparations are well underway and we’re now organising the last few details before the big day so everything can run as smoothly as possible. The band sounds amazing in rehearsals and our practice of the new repertoire is making us all very excited for what will hopefully be the biggest concert we’ve put on in years. I can't wait to hear everything in the Chapel on the day of the concert, especially the pieces where we'll have a mass band!”

Harriet joined the society in 2022 during her first week at Keele and was elected by her peers to secretary of the group in 2023. She says, “I’ve played the trumpet since I was 10 and have been in bands since my teens, so as soon as I got to Keele, I wanted to be involved in as many musical societies as I could. Concert bands have always been one of my favourites to participate in, so joining KCB was a bit of a no-brainer.”

“My role as secretary is to communicate information from the committee to the rest of the band, and to share information with our returning alumni. I typically answer a lot of emails, communicate with members from other committees, and organise the occasional social, so to be involved with the 40^th anniversary concert is incredibly exciting.

Harriet continues, “We will be rehearsing all together as a massed band during the day, with the concert in the evening and a celebration event afterwards. We’ve been taken aback with the excitement and support for the concert that we’ve received from alumni members. Around 85 completed our sign-up form, more than 100 have joined our Facebook group and one alumnus booked his flights from Jersey the day we announced the event!

“I can understand why Keele alumni are so eager to return for our concert as the friends I’ve made both in KCB and across other bands are my favourite thing about being a member of the society. Our brass section, although mischievous, has become a very close-knit group over the past couple of months, and they make rehearsals so entertaining. Though organising the concert has had its stressful moments, I can't wait for the day to see everyone's hard work pay off.”  

The KCB perform a range of concerts throughout the year, ranging from Christmas performances to memorial services, with a mix of students from a range of courses taking part. The group meets on Sundays in Barnes Bar from 7pm-9pm and all abilities are welcome to join.

Keele Concert Band will perform in the Chapel on Saturday 23^rd March from 7pm-9pm. Tickets can be bought here.