One of the most popular activities we run here at St Andrew's is the band. Since starting in the early days of the company with a handful of trumpets and a distinct lack of musical knowledge, the band has grown to be one of the most respected Brigade bands in the country. We currently have approximately 20 members, along with a number of trainees.  These trainees are all working hard to achieve the coveted white belt which identifies them as a fully-fledge band member.

If you are interested in hearing the band perform, check out the Band's diary page for details of our upcoming performances. If you would like to hire the band for an event, or would like more information on the band and its activities, please contact Andrew Stubbs.

The band has been competing in the Brigade National Band Competition since 1988. Starting out in the Novice class, the band has progressed through the ranks: winning the Novice section at the third attempt, finishing top of the Contest class the following year, then moving up to the Championship class. Following a long period of success, finishing runners-up on three occasions, the band voluntarily moved down into the Contest class once again after the loss of a number of experienced members. In the 2003 competition the band topped the class, prompting a long-anticipated return to the top flight. Following an extremely tight competition, the band finished as overall runners-up by a single point. The next two years produced third and fourth place finishes before, on May 19th 2007, the band stunned even its most avid supporters with an incredible performance, being crowned National Supreme Champions for the first time in 19 years.

The victory was well-timed as a significant number of the more experienced players were due to leave shortly afterwards to go on to university, careers or even retirement! This provided an opportunity for a large number of young trainees to step up to the main band in time for the National Competition in 2008. After an incredible amount of hard work, they produced a polished performance and walked away with two trophies and a fantastic fourth place finish, beating far more experienced bands along the way. With this experience under their belts, the future is bright for this talented and committed group of young musicians!