Andy began his playing career with Burbage Band Buxton under the tutorage of Les Orritt on Wednesday January 15th 1975. Introduced to the band by his uncle (Norman Ingleby), Andy soon progressed through the junior band and into the senior band under the directorship of Don Redfern. Don was a big believer in confidence building, and took the juniors all over the country competing in Slow Melody and Air-Varie competitions.

This proved to be great grounding for Andy through various bands as both section leader and soloist. During this period, he was taught by the ex-Euphonium player of the Faireys' Engineering band, Barry Hindes, and the bands professional conductor, George Thomson from Grimethorpe Colliery. During his time at his home band, Andy participated in three Germany tours to Bad Nauhiem near Frankfurt. Players move on, and Andy being no different, moved to Thornsett Band and the influence of players from Fairys Band. He led the section at Thornsett where he met his wife Joanne, the 1st Baritone player. After four very successful years, and collecting a wife from Thornsett, Andy had itchy feet again and progressed into the first section to join Alan Lawtons' band, the Vernon Building Society Poynton Band. This period of Andys' career became the most influential, and Alan had a great positive effect on Andys' performance and style of play. During his period with Poynton, he played in many competitions both on the mainland and the Isle of Man, as the band progressed into the championship section. Unfortunately as with many players, work commitments got in the way of total commitment to the band, so reluctantly some years later he took the difficult decision to resign. Andy has always had a great relationship with the VBS band, and retains many friends there to this day. After a short period of rest from the banding scene, he returned to the 'World of Brass', playing with various local bands, followed by a brief return to Poynton, until eventually he was invited to join Roberts Bakery Band in 2004. During his time with Roberts he enjoyed a successful period playing Principal Euphonium, and three further tours to Germany. This time to the Saxony region and Bad Schlema to the European Blastmusikfestival.

"I've played in various bands over the years, but few with the professional attitude and commitment demonstrated by so many players and committee members at Silk Brass. We have a strong band at the present time, with strong soloists, and look forward to a successful future ahead. Many years ago, my Grandfather told me, one of his many little phrases (Joe-isms we in the family used to call them), that is very applicable today with this band:- "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well". This indeed is the attitude that we enjoy at Silk Brass."