NEWS
The latest news on performances, work with ensembles and new music:
Nomination for the 4BarsRest Awards 2017
20.12.2017
I'm humbled to be amongst the nominees in the 'best newcomer' category for the 4BarsRest awards 2017.
My nomination comes through winning the RWCMD Cory Band Composition Competition in May earlier this year with 'Tarot! Tortuous Tarot!'.
The other nominees in the category feature high-profile names within the brass band movement including Kathleen Gaspoz (Principal cornet of the Brighouse and Rastrick Band), Ingar Bergby (winning conductor at this year's European Brass Band Championships) and Lode Violet (Principal Cornet of Brass Band Willebroek and Conductor of their Youth Band).
To view the full list of categories and their nominations click here
Festive fun with the RWCMD Brass Band
11.12.2017
Last Friday the RWCMD Brass Band appeared in their annual Christmas themed lunchtime concert at St David's Hall, Cardiff.
Dr Childs showcased the band and soloists as they performed Christmas classics as well as modern arrangements to an audience of over 700.
I was lucky enough to open the concert with James Curnow's Christmas fanfare before I returned to the stage later on to conduct Derek Ashmore's arrangement of jingle bells.... in full elf costume!
It was a fun way to round off a fantastic term - well done to the band and soloists.
Read more about the concert on Brass Band World's website here
Appointment as Musical Director of the Cardiff University Music Society Concert Orchestra
31.8.2017
I am delighted to announce that I will be returning to Cardiff University as Musical Director of the Cardiff University Concert Orchestra for the 2017/18 concert season.
I'm looking forward to working with the orchestra and performing in a range of concerts later this year.
More information on who and what the Cardiff University Music Society is can be found here:
https://www.cardiffstudents.com/activities/society/music/
Many thanks again to you all for your continued interest and support,
Andy.
RWCMD Cory Band Composition Prize Win
25.5.2017
I had a brilliant evening last Saturday as the winning composer at the RWCMD Cory Band Composition Competition Gala Concert.
All three of the shortlisted compositions were performed back to back during the first half of the programme: ‘The Roar of the Khamsin’ by Paul Saggers, ‘Tarot! Tortuous Tarot!’ by myself and ‘Corrida’ by David Robinson.
'Tarot!' is based upon the art of tarot card reading, a form of divination that has been a large part of Romany culture in Britain since the early 16th century. I was absolutely blown away by the band’s performance of the work and I was delighted that the composition was so well received by the audience.
The judging panel comprising of Philip Harper, Nigel Seaman, Christopher Bond and Liz Lane made their decision during the interval and I was thrilled when it was announced that my work had been chosen as the winning composition. Following the result the music was performed again in the second half of the concert.
My sincere thanks go to Philip Harper and the Cory Band and the Judging panel - Liz Lane, Nigel Seaman and Christopher Bond. I'd like to additionally thank all those at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama that have given me such invaluable support during my studies so far, especially my tutor Dr. Childs.
'Tarot! Tortuous Tarot!' is due to be published by Wright and Round and will feature on The Cory Band's upcoming CD: 'Gallery'.
Thank you again for your support and interest,
Andy.
First rehearsal with Rogerstone Community Brass Band
27.3.2017
Last Friday was my first rehearsal as Musical Director of the Rogerstone Community Brass Band. The band has recently reformed and our first rehearsal together in the old Rogerstone band room saw around 40 musicians join together from all across the South Wales area.
I'll be taking the band as resident MD under the guidance Dr. Robert Childs. We aim to perform at multiple events and concerts throughout the year and the band is now available for bookings.
I’m delighted to be part of a project with such potential, the future looks very bright. Watch this space !
More information can be found at:
http://www.rogerstoneband.co.uk
Thank you again for your support,
Andy.
Success at the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships 2017
24.3.2017
Hello all,
The hard work paid off this weekend as Melingriffith 2 achieved a podium finish at the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships taking the 3rd place prize for the second section. The band has worked incredibly hard in the two months that I've been directing them so I'm absolutely delighted with the outcome.
I was lucky enough to conduct in the Branwyn Hall again the following day, when I directed the RWCMD College band in the contest Gala concert alongside Dr. Robert Childs.
It was a fantastic weekend and not one that I'll forget in a hurry !
Thanks all for your continued support,
Andy.
Appointment as Musical Director of the (City of Cardiff) Melingriffith 2 Brass Band
2.1.2017
Hello all,
I am absolutely delighted to be able to announce that I’ll be taking up the position of Musical Director at the Melingriffith 2 Brass Band.
The band is preparing for their upcoming trip to Swansea in March where they will be competing at the Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships held in the famous Brangwyn Hall.
We will be performing the chosen second section test-piece: 'Rhapsody in Brass' by Dean Goffin.
M2 is part of the wider City of Cardiff/Melingriffith Brass Band Organisation and boasts the title of 'Oldest band in Wales'. More Information can be found here:
http://melingriffith.co.uk
I am incredibly excited to be taking up the challenge and am very much looking forward to working with the band.
Wishing you all the best for the coming year.
Andy.
Website Launch
24.8.2016
Hello all,
On the recommendation of a number of friends and colleagues I've decided to launch this website.
I'll be updating this page with news on events, performances and new pieces as they happen.
Thank you for your continued support,
Andy.