
Our Musical Director: Andy Loveridge
I moved to Bristol, after growing up in the Cotswolds within the brass band community, and then spending the start of my adult life in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire.
Based in Cheltenham for 19 years, my week was filled working for the music service as an instrumental tutor for both woodwind and brass. Gloucestershire became my home and base for performance opportunities over the years. I was fortunate to perform throughout the UK for major theatre shows, as well as annual tours within Europe and several private performances for HRH Prince of Wales at his home in Gloucestershire.
During my employment with the music service, I established the adult education program for Gloucestershire, for concert bands and jazz ensembles, using the American Band method.
I was fortunate to take 5 years out and work as musical director for most of the major cruise lines, with 3 world cruises and 2 years based in Hawaii. I have benefited from a wealth of cultural experiences, both musically and socially, performing and directing full Broadway production shows every night. Since returning to 'land life' I have continued to tour and perform throughout the UK, both on theatre tours and jazz gigs, whilst teaching for schools in Gloucestershire and Bristol. I have always enjoyed Bristol but I feel the opportunity for performance and live music here, is far better than anywhere else I have been to and I feel very privileged to be here!
I'd like to thank Westerly for being such a friendly and focused band- very much a 'family'- and their enthusiasm and commitment is very addictive. I look forward to continuing to build a musical future with them.