Andy Crompton has been our conductor twice. He was our Musical Director from 2003 to 2008 and again from 2017 until the end of 2021 (though his tenure was marred by the covid pandemic which meant the band was unable to meet and rehearse for 18 months during this time).
Andy is a consummate trombone player. He graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music where he was awarded the ‘Hiles Gold Medal’ for his orchestral playing, and has since amassed wide experience in all areas of the music industry, both touring and recording with many artistes, including the ‘Shirley Bassey Orchestra’ (over 22 years), Michael Ball Orchestra (over 21 years), Tom Jones, Andrea Bocelli, David Cassidy, Michael Crawford, Russell Watson, Moody Blues, Lionel Richie, Lesley Garrett, Josh Groban, Katherine Jenikns, Wet Wet Wet, The Three Degrees, The Four Tops, Howard Keele, Jeff Beck, Neil Sedaka, Jimmy Ruffin, Michael Bolton, Hearsay, The Temptations, Vic Damone, Frankie Vaughan, Rick Astley, Tony Christie, Sister Sledge, Johnny Mathis, Sasha Distel, Barry White and many, many more. He has also recorded numerous TV jingles, theme tunes and film scores. He played in the Led Zeppelin concert at the O2 and the launch of “Team GB” 2012 at the Royal Albert Hall.
He is co-founder and Director of The British Philharmonic Orchestra, and has worked with various Big Bands including: The Nelson Riddle Orchestra; BBC Radio Orchestra; BBC Big Band; The Matthew Herbert Big Band, Syd Lawrence Orchestra; BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra; Glen Miller Band UK and the Joe Loss Orchestra. He played for many years in the West End, holding the trombone chairs in many productions including ‘Fame’, Barnum, Charlie Girl, Movin’ Out, Ziegfield, and Some Like It Hot, and been involved in numerous others including 42nd Street, Starlight Express, Spamalot, Jesus Christ Superstar, Crazy For You, Guys & Dolls, Copacabana, 5 Guys Named Mo, Camelot, Oliver, Carmen Jones, Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Chicago, West Side Story, Me and My Girl, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cabaret, Sister Act. and more.