VCO Big Band

The Band was originally formed in 1982 and was known as The Versatile Concert Orchestra. The versatility of styles is still evident in the Band's repertoire, but the newer title of VCO Big Band was chosen to reflect more accurately their music being much more in the style of the traditional big bands, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller. However, more newly written numbers are also played, as well as styles such as Latin American or varieties of dance arrangements, when called for.

Geoff Seals, one of the founder members, is still the leader of the 20+ musicians, who are based in the town of Crewe, Cheshire and rehearse there fortnightly in the Crosville Club. There are both male and female members in the Band, with the usual line-up being of at least, 5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets and 4 rhythm and percussion. Enthusiasm and ability over-ride other considerations and result in a wide age-range amongst the instrumentalists, ranging from 20's to 70's.

Regular vocalists add variety to the repertoire, with standard favourites, as well as more current hit numbers, such as those favoured by the likes of Norah Jones and Michael Bublé.

The majority of the VCO Big Band's performances take place within the counties of Cheshire and Staffordshire, although requests for further afield can always be considered. The engagement list is very varied, with concerts and dances catered for, varying from school, church and civic halls to theatres, hotels and clubs. Private functions are included, as well as formal civic events and charity fund raisers, with several thousands of pounds having now been raised.