In 1974 Andy started playing bass drum with the 57th Birmingham BB and just like other instructional staff, the Boys' Brigade played a big part in his adolescence. Circa 1977, the BB band adopted the name 'The Cavaliers', and it is at this point that he started playing slide trombone. He also played trombone in the school orchestra. In 1984 the corps changed to 3 valve G bugles and Andy changed to Baritone on which he has pretty much remained to date.

In 1985 he joined 'The Beechmen' as baritone player and assistant brass instructor, where he remained until the corps turned into a Circus in 1989. He remained with the Circus until about 1991.

After the Circus, he had a few years off, returning to the band activity by helping a Black Country band called 'The Comets' in 1993/1994. In 1996 Andy was approached about possibly helping with SK, and except for a couple of seasons out, he has been there ever since.

In 2002, he started a regular twice weekly Brass class in the West Bromwich area, and in early 2004 a few old Beechmen buddies started joining in too, but alas, it wasn't to last.

Andy travelled to North America to watch DCI in 1982/Montreal, 1984/Atlanta, 1986/Madison and 1988/Kansas City.

His favourite UK corps would be Gravesham, Dagenham Crusaders, Valley Sound and Blue Eagles. Favourite DCI corps are Blue Devils and Phantom Regiment, and his preferred shows are BD 1980 & 2000, Garfield Cadets and Bridgemen 1984 and Phantom Regiment 1989/2000.

He has diverse musical tastes though Jazz is his favourite. Artists such as Pat Metheney, Arturo Sandoval, Ronny Jordan, Don Ellis, Incognito and Jaco Pastorius feature heavily in his music collection.