![Andrea Price](https://www.wingatesbrassband.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Andrea-Price.jpg)
Andrea Price Appointed as New Musical Director of Wingates Band
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrea Price as the new Musical Director of the Wingates Band.
Introducing Andrea
Andrea is a graduate of Salford University, where she was awarded a First Class Honours degree and a distinction in a Masters Degree in composition, as well as earning the Mortimer prize for performance.
During her playing career, she has performed at the highest level, including a 10 year tenure as Principal Percussionist and featured soloist of the Black Dyke Band, where she also composed music performed by many of the band’s soloists, including Sheona White and Gary Curtin.
Her list of musical achievements also include, being one of the youngest people to ever achieve a place at the prestigious Chetham’s School of Music, reaching the percussion final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition and becoming the first female conductor of the Mikeneko Band in Japan.
Alongside her conducting, Andrea is a well-sought-after adjudicator and an examiner of composition for the AQA exam board. Her most recent career achievement is becoming the Head of Lower School at Chetham’s School of Music.
Speaking on her appointment, Andrea said: “I am thrilled to be taking up the baton at Wingates. The band has a rich history and it is a real privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the band into the future. With the 150th anniversary in 2023, there are some extremely exciting projects on the horizon.”
Welcoming a New Era and Celebrating the Past
Andrea taking on the Musical Director role marks a new era for the Wingates band. It’s clear that Andrea embodies the Wingates ethos of ‘History, Quality and Innovation’ from her vast wealth of musical knowledge to the passion and enthusiasm shown within her audition.
Her appointment precedes a very big year for us, as we celebrate 150 years of Wingates Band in 2023. We’re very much looking forward to working with Andrea to commemorate this achievement with plenty of exciting performances and projects within the community.
In response to Andrea taking up the baton at Wingates, Chairman Andy Mooney said:
“As a band, we are all excited for what the future holds with Andrea. During her audition, we were impressed with the level of musical knowledge Andrea possesses, as well as her imaginative approach to building the performance of a piece and her established connections within the banding community. We look forward to working with her on contest performances and some very exciting projects to celebrate the band’s 150th anniversary next year.”
We don’t like to see anyone leave the band, especially someone who has put so much hard work into the band as Paul Andrews, who will be officially stepping down from the position of Musical Director following his final concert with the band this Saturday. However, we want to take this opportunity to thank Paul for all his hard work and send him our best wishes for all of his future endeavours.