KENDAL Concert Band stages its first concert of 2017 on Saturday (April 29, 7.30pm) under the baton of its new musical director Robert Duesbury.

Robert and his 40-strong music makers have put together a wide ranging programme of music for this weekend's foot-tapping show at the Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, which swings from orchestral classics by Offenbach, Respighi and Elgar to modern classics by rock band Queen and film music by composer John Williams.

The mixture of woodwind, brass, string bass and percussion gives the band a depth and a unique versatility allowing for a dynamic and diverse programme of music.

MD Robert honed his musical craft playing bass tuba in brass bands, particularly with The Black Dyke Mills Band. As well as performing in concert halls across the UK he was a member of the band when it won European Championships in 1991 and 1995 and the National Championship in 1994. He now teaches guitar across schools in South Lakeland under the banner of the Cumbria County Music Service.

Kendal Concert Band is a community band for players of all ages, meeting weekly at the Queen Katherine School, Kendal. It performs at a variety of venues around South Lakeland and is open to prospective members.

KCB members also play their part in Kendal Big Band, which will be playing for its second year at the Edwardian Bandstand, Park Road Gardens, Grange-over-Sands on Sunday, August 6.

Tickets for the April 29 performance are available from the Victoria Hall.

For further information visit www.kendalconcertband.com.