SARO Winds is a community wind band founded in 2004. It was set up by members of SARO in order to accommodate wind and brass players looking for a group to play with. Like SARO it shares the simple objective of providing an opportunity for those who enjoy making music together to do so, without any obligation to give formal concerts.

As it is so closely associated with SARO, SARO Winds is involved in many joint activities as well as some in its own right. These include school visits, playing at charity events, and an end-of-year joint session with SARO followed by a lunch.

Andrew Kershaw

CONDUCTOR

Andy studied at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music. After graduating he was appointed principal Tuba of the Opera House in Santiago, Chile, and then returned to the UK in 2007 to build a freelance career. Andy has played with many of the country’s top orchestras including The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Halle, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Along with playing engagements Andy works as a Conductor with Brass Bands, as well as teaching the tuba at Cambridge University (where he is a Visiting Fellow) and Brunel University. He has given historic brass master classes at Trinity College of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. More information on Andy's other musical activities can be found at:

www.queenvictoriasconsort.co.uk

www.alinaorchestra.com

Julie Beaman

PREVIOUS CONDUCTOR

The group was previously directed since its foundation by Julie Beaman, a professional, freelance musician and founder conductor of the Wind Band. As well as her orchestral work, Julie has given chamber music recitals with her own group, the Beaman Ensemble. She also works with the Grosvenor Dance Quintet and is musical director of the University of Bedfordshire choir.