The Dave Pearce Orchestra was formed in 2004 consisting of the traditional big band line-up of 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and rhythm section (double bass, drums and piano).

Using some of the finest musicians in the country - hand-picked by Dave Pearce himself - the orchestra's aim is to re-capture the music and sound of the by-gone era of the big bands, from Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Ted Heath, and when using vocalists, the songs of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra - to name just a few.

The band is comprised of musicians who are regularly active on the professional big band scene and are versatile musicians in their own right. With this, the musicians that make up The Dave Pearce Orchestra are respected and highly recognised in the music industry. The musicians are not only chosen for their musical expertise, but also for their amicable personalities giving a great camaraderie to the band. Special guests often appear with the DPO, and notably in October 2005 – only 18 months after its formation – the band played to a “sold-out” Bruntwood Theatre at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, with guest saxophonist, Mike Hall. After first hearing the band, the late Don Lusher (trombonist and leader of the Ted Heath Band) commented by saying: "Good luck to The Dave Pearce Orchestra, swing music is in safe hands..."

Another notable performance was in June 2019, where the orchestra were privileged to be special guests to perform for the Louth Vintage Day as part of the two-week Zero Degrees Festival. From the opening number to the encore, the dance floor was never empty with the crowds demanding more and many comments including that "it was the best Vintage Day yet".

The orchestra currently offer two types of show: "Big Band Sound" which is the standard tribute concert to many of the big bands that have been around, including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and many more - an evening that will no doubt include your favourite big band hits. Our second show is: "A Tribute to Glenn Miller" featuring special guest John Miller (nephew of Glenn Miller), from the John Miller Orchestra.

As well as the band’s library consisting of traditional swing music of the by-gone era, the library also consists of more modern big band arrangements that are especially ideal for jazz festivals. With many of the musicians of the DPO also being jazz instrumentalists, this gives scope for each of the jazz musicians to take a chorus...or two! This versatility enables the band to feel equally “at home” in concert halls, theatres, jazz festivals and for themed nights, and makes it a popular choice for any type of event. Combined with the talent and the music is fun and laughter giving an "all-round" performance.

The Dave Pearce Orchestra also prides itself on the fact that the library contains some of the original music and transcriptions obtained from some of the greatest big bands that have ever been around.

The orchestra has been satisfying and entertaining audiences wherever it performs. Not only is it a big band performing some of the greatest big band music and songs that have been written, but is also a big band that offers much more than just a concert, but a show of timeless music. The band is sure to please whenever and wherever it performs, and injects the great swing music with a new fresh breath.