Starting playing at the age of 11, Andy joined the Crewe Co-op Youth Band under the leadership of Dave Moulton, ex cornet player from Fodens. He decided, with some considerable foresight, that he would like to play the Trombone. The reason being that he considered this a versatile instrument and not just limited to a brass band. He started to have lessons off Jim McDean, the ex solo baritone player from Fodens, and soon followed him to Tarporley Band where Jim was resident conductor. It wasn't long before the young Andy progressed from Tarporley Band to join the Trombone section of the Crewe Co-op Concert Band with Dave Moulton at the helm, who he already knew with playing for his Youth Band. As the band changed their name to United Co-op Band (Crewe), Andy also changed his position to

Solo Trombone. During this period, he also played with the Cheshire Youth Band. Both bands embarked on tours abroad; to America with the Cheshire Youth, and Holland (at the Dutch championships) with United Co-op. Whist at United Co-op he attended Salford Music College for an audition to join the college. The audition was conducted by Roy Newsome which subsequently led to a move to Besses O th' Barn Band on Solo Trombone. Andy was now making a name for himself, and two years later was asked by Fodens to attend an audition for Solo Trombone. Andy was on the move again, this time closer to home, and Fodens under the directorship of Howard Snell. He was also privileged (as he says himself), to be part of Harry Mortimer's “Men of Brass” at this time. With both bands he played at all the major contests, various European tours, and made numerous recordings, radio broadcasts (both as a player and soloist). and appeared on television in Champion Brass. Unfortunately, as with many players, he was forced to retire from the championship section due to family and work commitments. Andy, not wanting to give up playing totally, re joined United Co-op (Crewe) and was instrumental in bringing Roy Sparks to conduct the band. Through increased work commitments unfortunately Andy gave up playing for 18 months and moved to live in Blackpool, but soon returned to Crewe and joined the Normid 2000 Brass. He stayed there until he left to join Whaley Bridge Band, and then a short time at Lees and Glodwick Band at Oldham. Andy became one of the founding members of Silk Brass in 1997 (originally as a 10 piece), on a cold February night in a school hall in Stockport, and still remembers their first piece, “Punchinello”, and the "rest is history" as they say! Andy met his wife Shirley through banding; an ex Flugal and Solo Horn player for Silk Brass, and they have 2 fantastic sons Daniel and Ryan.