Formed in 1981 as a rehearsal band, the original musicians soon found that if they wished to improve they would need expert guidance.

Enter Trevor Emeny, an established and highly experienced saxophonist with an enviable reputation and a following as a jazz soloist throughout the Midlands.

Under Trevor’s direction the band soon reached the standard whereby they could consider some public performances and late in 1981 they gave their first concert at the old Hayden Court Hotel in Cheltenham. The band immediately attracted a big enough following to encourage Trevor to organise regular concerts at the Hayden Court on the last Sunday of every month. A great success!  The shows continued for four years until the Hayden Court Hotel was sold and re-vamped, forcing a move to a new venue at the Gupshill Manor Inn, Tewkesbury where they have remained ever since.

Trevor handed  over the leadership after 19 years to pianist/arranger Paul Buck, With Paul Buck’s expert guidance the band continued to improve, reaching a standard far and away above that of the average rehearsal band,  consequently they are able to attract established guest artists and band members of a very high standard.

Paul is a skilled music composer and arranger and he has written unique music charts especially for the Crescendo Band to play. You won’t hear these wonderful arrangements anywhere else and they are a valuable and very important contribution to the variety of music Crescendo present at their concerts. 

Paul handed on the leadership to Tony Sheppard in June 2008 still continues his connection with the band by providing further exciting material for the band to perform and performing with the band on Keyboards when he is available.

From the very beginning, Bob Lee has been band manager and presenter. His depth of knowledge about jazz (big band music in particular), together with his expertise as a Radio presenter makes every Crescendo Band  performance a great experience for the audience.

Tony Sheppard now leads the band in its 25^th.consecutive season at Gupshill Manor on the last Sunday of every month from September to June

Come and hear for yourself, check the  date list for the next performance

Band History

Live music at its best !

Crescendo Big Band