Wingates Brass Band are delighted to welcome Captain Andrew Porter in the new position
of Musical Consultant within the Wingates Organisation. In this new role, Andrew will be
working with MD Matt Ryan to work towards the band’s long-term goals and take a few
rehearsals and workshops ahead of contests and events.
Captain Porter is currently Director of Music of the world-famous Band of the Grenadier
Guards and is at the spear end of Army Music and State Ceremonial delivery. In his Military
career, Andrew has worked with British Army Band Tidworth, The Irish Guards and the
Household Division Bands Headquarters, as well as serving in a 9-month active military
deployment to Afghanistan. Andrew has also designed shows and partnerships for the FA
Cup Final, BBC and DJ Jeremiah Asiamah, British Grand Prix and the National Youth Brass
Band.
As a Euphonium player and Conductor, Andrew has played and worked with many of
Britain’s leading Brass Bands, including Leyland and YBS (winning the European Brass
Band Championships in 2002), Flowers, KNDS Fairey Band, Tredegar, Sandhurst Silver,
Friary, and Morecambe Band.
Andrew started working with the band and MD Matt Ryan in early 2025, and his knowledge
and experience has been an exceptional asset to the Band.
Matt Ryan has welcomed Andrew, stating:
“I’m pleased to welcome a musician such as Andrew in to the Wingates fold, over
the last 12 months we have welcomed lots of new faces in the band and to be able to share
the journey of moulding the band and growing to it’s potential with such an experienced,
proven and capable musician and band trainer is exciting. His CV speaks for itself, and I’m
delighted he’s accepted a role which will enable the organisation to widen and deepens its
artistic intent beyond merely being a contesting brass band.”
Andrew stated:
“I was delighted when Matt and the Band Management team asked me to take a role
within the organisation, the invitation came at the perfect moment. Wingates is a band
steeped in history of which I am proud to be associated with. My musical journey in England
actually commenced with Wingates and Michael Fowles, to whom I owe a lot, especially in
regards to discipline and commitment and how I prepare bands and analyse rehearsals and
performance. The opportunity to work alongside Matt Ryan and helping him achieve his
goals and the bands aspirations excites me. Matt is a visionary, keen to develop his team
and self. Both he and the band have a refreshing outlook in their activities, they are hungry
to develop, forward thinking and not afraid to try out new ideas. Above all else they are really
nice people, that have made me feel so welcome since my initial introduction in April this
year. The partnership allows me to support them whilst also being totally effective in my
professional role. I am excited to see where our collaborative journey will take us.”
Welcome Andrew! We are looking forward to a great year ahead of us!