Andrew Berryman AGSM (Dist) MA

Biography

Andrew began playing the trombone at the age of eight with Bodmin Town Band. He later played with Grimethorpe Junior Band and William Davis Construction Group Band, which was conducted by his father. Andrew attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and achieved an AGSM with Distinction. After leaving the Guildhall in 1984 he joined the Ulster Orchestra where he stayed until 1988 when he was appointed Principal Trombone with the Hallé Orchestra, a position he still holds.

Andrew has played with most of the countries leading Orchestras and Brass Groups and also finds himself busy as a soloist. In December 1995 Andrew made his American debut in New York playing with the Imperial Brass Band. He also gave clinics at the Julliard and Manhattan School of Music. In March 1997 Andrew returned to the U.S.A. where he appeared with the U.S Army Brass Band, and the U.S Army Wind Band (Pershings Own), at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington. Andrew is making his eighth visit to Norway this year where he will work with local children giving master classes, seminars and conducting and performing as a soloist. In 1998 Andrew recorded the Edward Gregson Trombone Concerto with the BBC Concert Orchestra under the baton of Martin Brabbins.

In 1996 Andrew saw the release of his first solo CD entitled Recital for Trombone, available on the Doyen label. Andrew also recorded Andrew Duncan’s concerto with the Rigid Containers Group Band, this is available on the Harlequin Label. This Concerto was written for him by Andrew Duncan, the Hallé Orchestra’s former tubist. The Concerto has also been scored for full symphony orchestra and was given its first performance by Andrew at the Hallé Proms in 1994. The first public performance of this concerto, in its original Brass Band form, was performed at the Royal Northern College of Music on the 15th May 1995, with Andrew as soloist.

2002 saw Andrew take on his biggest challenge as a soloist in two performances of the virtuosic and technically demanding ‘Motorbike Concerto’ by Jan Sandstrom accompanied by the Hallé Orchestra.

In 2005 Andrew became interested in developing his profile as a conductor, and this led to his initial association with Wingates. In September of the same year Andrew accepted the position of Musical Director, after having worked through other commitments.

This appointment marked the start of an exciting new partnership for the band. Under his leadership the band has gained success in the FRENCH OPEN BRASS BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS (2007 winners) THE SENIOR CUP (2007 winners) and the BUTLINS MINEWORKERS CHAMPIONSHIPS (2008 – 2nd).

Andrew has fulfilled 2 of his ambitions with the band - he has made a joint CD with the Hallé lower brass section (Frolic for Trombones) and produced a CD selection of Michael Nyman music (Nyman Brass).

Andrew also plays with Hallé Brass and Hallé Rock, groups essentially consisting of Hallé Orchestra personnel and is a trombone tutor at Chetham’s School, Royal Northern College of Music, and Salford University.In 2007 Andrew also completed his MA in conducting from Salford University.