It's a busy time for conductor Andrew Porter, who has recently been appointed to two new roles.

Andrew has become the new OC Bandmaster of the Prince of Wales's Division Band in St Athan, as well as the MD of his hometown band of Morecambe.

Loving it

And although it means a 500 mile round trip from Wales to Morecambe Bay for rehearsals, he told 4BR that he's loves every moment of it as he is now able to combine family and professional musical life together.

"A career within the Corps of Army Music is incredibly rewarding and I'm proud to be a part of it. Working with the Prince of Wales's Band is a fantastic opportunity and we've just returned from a two-week stint in Germany.

The band was superb and moving on I hope to engage positively with community outreach, education and the thriving brass band movement in Wales."

Morecambe

Andrew has a rich brass band background and made a name for himself as a euphonium player with Leyland Band, so little wonder he is also keen to make his mark with his home town band in Morecambe — with a little bit of help from his Dad.

He added: "The chance to take on my 'home town' band was just too good to refuse. I want to develop them positively, but given the distance and a busy professional diary, 100% commitment isn't achievable so I needed support.

My Dad was the obvious choice. I trust him, he knows what I want and naturally where my musical ethos comes from, he shares my vision and what the organisation on the whole is trying to achieve. He also keep me on my toes!"

Determined

Andrew told 4BR that he is determined to bring an even friendlier, dynamic environment for players to enjoy their hobby — something that Chairperson Stuart Bateson is delighted about.

"Having Andrew back with us with his family is a huge boost. We know of his talent, but it is also his organisation approach that has already brought huge benefits.

The positive atmosphere and work ethic in the band-room and at engagements is resulting in enormous progress."

The chance to take on my 'home town' band was just too good to refuseAndrew Porter

Running man

And just in case he feels he has a little spare time with nothing to do, Andrew has taken up running and will be raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

On 18th August he will take part in the Lancaster Riverside Half Marathon before carrying on running to a band job at Happy Mount Park — an extra 6 miles away!

And just round things off, he will then run home after the last chord — to top up his mileage for the day.

To support Andrew with his fund raising go to: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/andrews-giving-page-481