Newcastle Concert Band has been making music for over 40 years.
We rehearse on Tuesday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm, during term times, in the Church Hall, St George’s Church, Jesmond.
Our players come from all different walks of life, and are united by a passion for playing great music, pushing ourselves to achieve a high standard, and having fun along the way. We are a friendly bunch and welcome applications from prospective members.
Our Music
We play a wide variety of music, from West End to Classical, marches to modern. We cater for musicians of approximately Grade 5 standard and above.
Our Conductor – Kevin McVittie
Our Musical Director, Kevin McVittie, began playing the tuba at an early age and has since gained extensive experience performing with a wide range of bands and musical ensembles. Over the years he has appeared in diverse musical settings, developing a deep understanding of ensemble playing and repertoire.
Alongside his performing career, Kevin has cultivated a strong interest in conducting and musical leadership. He is currently Musical Director of Northern Phoenix Wind Band and Whickham Wind , working with musicians of all abilities and fostering engaging, rewarding performances. He is particularly committed to supporting musical growth and creating enjoyable experiences for both players and audiences.
Kevin took up the role of Musical Director of Newcastle Concert Band in 2026 and is excited to build on the band’s proud traditions, explore new repertoire, and guide its continued musical development.
Our Bandmaster – John Pearce
Our Bandmaster, John Pearce, has been hanging round with musicians for over sixty years. After leaving school and squandering two years at Newcastle University as the world’s worst medical student, he found his true avocation whilst training as a teacher of Music and English at what is now the University of Northumbria. He spent his entire teaching career working in schools in North Tyneside, where he met David Milner in the 1980s when David became an indispensable member of the horn section of North Tyneside Youth Orchestra, which John conducted for twenty years. Redundancy ended John’s teaching career in 2004, after which he pursued a variety of occupations including as a counsellor for Relate and the NHS, an examiner for GCE, GCSE and the International Baccalaureate, author, journalist, freelance musician, organist and choirmaster at the Church of the Holy Saviour, Tynemouth. He also played the viola and conducted and directed chamber concerts with the New Tyneside Orchestra.
He joined Newcastle Concert Band as Bandmaster in 2001 and, as well as deputising for David in rehearsal and concert, has played bass guitar and continues to play trombone as well as contributing arrangements to the band library. He describes his association with the Newcastle Concert Band as much the happiest of all his musical experiences, as well as counting himself lucky that his versatility has been an asset rather than a hindrance.
His favourite composer, the late Malcolm Arnold, once described music as “the social act of communication among people, a gesture of friendship, the strongest there is.” For John, Newcastle Concert Band has been a gift that translates those words into action.
Follow Us
If you’re interested in staying in touch with the band, you can follow us on social media for regular updates:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/newcastleconcertband
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/newcastleconcertband
Hear Us
We are a regularly performing band so there are lots of opportunities to hear us play. Details of upcoming concerts will be shared here.
Join Us
If you’re interested in joining us, please get in touch! We welcome applications from wind, brass and percussion players of approximately Grade 5 standard and above, aged 18+.
We currently have vacancies for trumpets, euphonium, tuba and percussion. Players interested in joining on other instruments are invited to contact us, but please note there are waiting lists for most sections.
If you would like to inquire about joining us, or going onto our waiting lists, please contact us:
newcastleconcertband@hotmail.com
Newcastle Concert Band 