Black Dyke has announced that Andrea Crossley has joined them on percussion.

Born in Bolton, Andrea began to learn the piano at an early age and was one of the youngest people ever to gain a place at the prestigious Chethams School of Music.

Young Musician

Later taking up percussion and composition, Andrea went on to reach the percussion final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition 2004, and was subsequently invited to join YBS Band, where she was principal percussionist between 2004 and 2007.

Andrea has performed as soloist in many prestigious venues in several countries, and as well as being involved in brass bands she has worked as a professional musician with a number of orchestras4BR

Soloist

Andrea has performed as soloist in many prestigious venues in several countries, and as well as being involved in brass bands she has worked as a professional musician with a number of orchestras, most recently in the position of assistant principal percussionist with the KZNPO in South Africa.

As well as her success in performing, Andrea is also in increasing demand as a composer. She has been commissioned to write music for brass band and other ensembles, and has had several works performed and recorded in the UK, Europe and the USA.

Masters degree

Andrea graduated from the University of Salford in 2006 with first class honours and was also awarded the Mortimer prize for performance. She then went on to complete a Masters degree in composition in 2008, achieving distinction.

She is currently studying for a PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University.