The Shirley Band from Solihull in the West Midlands has just celebrated 100 years of music making with a special centenary concert featuring a massed band made up of current and former members.

Part and current

Led by Principal Conductor, David Hirst, the event also saw former members and friends travel from as far afield as Germany and Austria to attend — including past conductors Dave Lea and Geoff Barber.

The concert featured a range of repertoire — from Bernstein's 'West Side Story' and Etienne Crausaz's 'Balkan Dance' to Philip Harper's 'Salsa Tres Prado' and the ubiquitous finisher of Howard Snell's arrangement of Resphigi's 'Pines of Rome'.

Band Secretary Brian Johnson told 4BR: "It was fabulous to have so many friends join us to celebrate our rich history. We're now looking forward to marking the remainder of our milestone year with a series of other concerts and competitions."

It was fabulous to have so many friends join us to celebrate our rich history. We're now looking forward to marking the remainder of our milestone year with a series of other concerts and competitionsShirley Band

Community band

Shirley Band was formed in 1919 by W H Hodesdon Senior, the grandfather of current President, Donald Hodesdon.

The band plays at many concerts and events throughout the Midlands, but is particularly proud to continue to support its local community for the annual Remembrance Service, as well as putting on its own annual series of concerts.

Future events this year include performing at the forthcoming Pershore Midsummer Brass, a Last Night of the Proms concert in September, and its second annual Children's concert in December.