From a idea conceived in the summer of 1993 Doncaster Concert Band (DCB) played its inaugural concert in January 1994.  Since then the band has performed varied concert programmes.  Concerts have included playing with South Yorkshire Police Male Voice Choir, at Doncaster Races, The Earl of Doncaster, Center Parcs.  Brodsworth Hall provides an attractive outdoor 'bandstand' venue for spring and summer concerts and Scarborough Spa is another regular bandstand venue.  Shared concerts with bands from across the country have also been a feature of DCB's musical life.  During its life, DCB has undertaken combined concerts with Doncaster School Symphonic Band, a Christmas concert with joint children's choirs, exchanges with other wind bands (including a weekend concert exchange with the Eynsford Concert Band in Kent) and two CD recording sessions.  A new, exciting venture is our participation in music festivals in Malta.  Fund raising charity concerts feature in the band's diary with money being raised for a wide range of good causes ranging from local schools to the Tsunami Appeal. 

Players come from all walks of life including accountancy, agriculture, company directors, engineering, police, nursing, teaching, banking and mining. We like to feel that we are a truly 'community' band, making a valid contribution to the musical life of Doncaster, as well as fulfilling our original aim of providing ongoing musical experience and training for those who have left school.  A number of professional musicians currently play with the band.  The band's repertoire of music has widened considerably over its 13 year playing life and there has been a steady influx of new and very talented players. 

Players range in age from teens to seventies with a wealth of playing experience ranging from: military band playing including the Royal Marines' and Army bands, playing with famous names including Shirley Bassey and Boney M and dance band playing for Cunard, Locarno and Butlins.  Many DCB players have 'risen through the ranks' of top youth bands including the Vermuyden Concert Band.  The band has gained strength in numbers over the years and is constantly developing musically.  The band has great versatility with many of our members being skilled in two or more instruments.   Proceeds from concerts have been given to many good causes including hospitals, churches, schools, service and other charities.

Karen Roberts became the band's current Musical Director in 2001.  Starting to play the French Horn at the age of 13 with the Doncaster Music Service, Karen was one of the first playing members of DCB when it started in 1993. She has been Head of Music at a number of local schools and has operatic directing experience.  She has very clear ideas about the current direction of the band and aims to build on the band's extensive current repertoire as well as aiming for the highest standard of performance.

The band rehearses weekly (apart from the month of August) on Thursday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm at the the William Appleby Music Centre, Danum Road, Doncaster.  If you would be interested in applying to join Doncaster Concert Band, please contact the Band Chairman: Robert Cheetham - Tel: 07793-967562 or email: music@doncasterconcertband.org.uk.   New players can expect to be auditioned.