Friary Brass has announced the appointment of Captain Andrew Porter as its new Musical Director.

The Director of Music to the Band of the Grenadier Guards enjoyed a fine euphonium playing background before enlisting in the British Army as a musician in 2003. He subsequently progressed through Kneller Hall and has since served as Bandmaster of the Band of the Irish Guards and Director of Music for British Army Band Tidworth.

Thrilled

With numerous high-profile state, sporting and cultural occasions to add to his experience, he stated; ''I'm thrilled to be taking on the baton with Friary. From our very first conversations, it has felt like a perfect match. There's a shared vision and ambition that makes this an incredibly exciting opportunity."

Looking ahead to taking on the role after the band has competed at the London & SC Regional Championships, he said: "I'm very much looking forward to working closely with the band as we build towards competing at major contests and achieving our full potential together."

Welcome

In welcoming his, Friary Chairperson David Wicks added: "Andrew was the best candidate. He particularly impressed us with the programmes he devised, and his military music credentials speak for themselves.

We are looking forward with great excitement to working with him after the Regional contest."