The AD Concert Band was formed in 1975 as a youth band by the late Arthur Doyle, following his retirement as Principle Tuba with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). This makes us one of the oldest civilian Concert Bands in the West Midlands.

There are many notable years in the band's history, in particular 1978 when, with the assistance of the Arts Council of Great Britain, we commissioned Dr. Gordon Jacob to compose a work especially for us, Symphony AD 78. The writing of the piece also coincided with the 78th Birthday of Arthur Doyle and the title was chosen as a tribute from Dr. Jacob to his good friend. The piece was first performed by the Band in Birmingham under the baton of Arthur Doyle and in the presence of the composer. Mr Doyle's family no longer live in Birmingham but still retain a keen interest in the activities of the Band.

The Band have taken part in the West Midlands Regional heats of the National Concert Band Festival on three occasions, receiving a Gold Award in 1999 and a Silver Award in 2001, going on to achieve a Bronze Award at the Festival itself in Manchester later that year. Most recently we were presented with a Silver Award in 2006.

We perform approximately twenty concerts each year throughout the Midlands and beyond. The Band regularly perform themed concerts such as the ever popular 'Last Night of the Proms', 'Sounds of the Sixties', 'Music from Films and Shows' and 'An Evening with Glen Miller and Friends'.

The Band has performed as part of the annual Solihull Festival, a week devoted to the arts in all forms, during which we aimed to demonstrate the variety of wind band music. For over ten years we have worked with the community Ring and Ride transport scheme in Coventry. The Band perform concerts each year in association with Ring and Ride for the enjoyment of the senior citizens and disabled people who regularly used the service.

The Band has performed four concerts in St. James's Park London, most recently in August 2009. These outings proved enjoyable for both musicians and audiences.  We also staged a concert in celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee in Solihull. Other regular concerts include Ilmington Summer Fete on August Bank Holiday Monday, Marston Green Village Hall, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, West Park Wolverhampton, Himley Hall near Dudley and a Christmas concert for Coleshill Town Twining Association.

The Band has worked with the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, with the two Bands performing together in joint concerts in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

More recently we have formed a relationship with the Band of the Parachute Regiment.  Our first sucessful joint concert took place in November 2008, with an evening of music relating to celebrations.  Our second joint concert took place in October 2009 and was performed to a packed hall at Solihull School.  This concert was preceded by two days of workshops in local schools, where the Band of the Parachute Regiment, along with some members from the AD Concert band, joined with pupils to share in the joy of wind band music. This was a great opportunity for the pupils to learn from more experienced musicians.  The AD Band has found it very beneficial to work with professional musicians from the army and has learnt a lot, as well as thoroughly enjoying the challenge.

2008 was an exciting year for the Band, as we recorded our first CD. This was a completely new experience for most members of the Band and we learnt a lot from doing it. The CD, "In Celebration", is available for purchase from our online shop.

Another major event in the life of the Band in 2008 was the 100th Birthday of the late Vi Doyle (widow of our founder). We performed a special Cenentary Celebration Concert for her in Amphhtill, Bedfordshire, which was well attended by members of her family and many past members of the Band.  Sadly, Mrs. Doyle passed away in the following year.