*
banner

Morecambe make Wise appointments

A busy Andrew Porter takes over the baton at Morecambe as he embarks on new musical routes...

Porter
  Bring me sunshine... father and son with a very special local fan...

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

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Fodens

Foden's regional reach out for 2026

September 17 • If you want some of the Foden's Area Championship winning formula to rub off on you, then why not sign up for some early test-piece prep.


Brighouse

Brighouse principal is lead off for Banding Together

September 17 • In a new PR profile initiative for the event, Tom Smith talks about his link to the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall.


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd