The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (AoBBA) has announced that Ryan Watkins and Cpt Andrew Porter have become full members of the organisation.

In welcoming them, Chairperson Brett Baker said: "Having watched both Ryan and Andrew's impressive careers as authoritative, confident conductors I look forward to working with them in the future in an adjudicating context."

Success

Ryan Watkins is currently enjoying an extended period of personal success as a conductor. The RNCM graduate is the MD of Yorkshire Area Champion, Hepworth and also led to the band to the British Open through Grand Shield qualification at the Spring Festival in May.

He also directed Gota Band to the 2025 Swedish National title and to eighth place at the 2026 European Championships in Linz.

Ryan has adjudicated at 'ConsTest' competition in both 2024 and 2025 as well as further afield at the Aalborg Musikkonkurrence in Denmark. He has since completed the AoBBA development programme.

Director of Music

Cpt Andrew Porter is Director of Music of The Band of the Grenadier Guards, having previously holding the roles of Bandmaster of the Band of the Irish Guards, and Director of Music for British Army Band Tidworth.

His extensive professional army career will see him lead this year's Trooping the Colour at the King's Birthday Parade in London where he has been pivotal in the selection and arrangement of the music to be performed.

He has also enjoyed considerable civilian conducting success with the likes of Morecambe, whom he led to two North West Area titles, and is currently conducting Friary Brass. He also adjudicated at the 2025 British Open Spring Festival.