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Percussion

Andrew Herbert

Principal Percussion and Player Nominated Trustee
Headshot of percussionist Andrew Herbert

Andrew was born in Northampton and began his musical journey in the Northamptonshire County Music Service. Initially taking lessons on drum kit, he decided to study percussion under the guidance of Alan Suttie, former timpanist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

After accepting a place at Music College, Andrew went on to get a 1st Class Honours degree followed by a Master of Arts. During this time, he began to establish a successful freelance career, working in a range of diverse musical environments. Andrew has worked with many of the UK and Ireland’s finest Orchestras. He has toured with West End and regional theatre productions and worked with numerous recording artists such as Alice Cooper, Andrea Bocelli, Chris De Burgh, U2 and Rodger Daltrey and The Who to name a few.

Before joining the CBSO as Principal Percussion in 2014, Andrew spent many years working for the Royal Shakespeare Company. He said, ‘it was a true privilege to have worked with so many legendary actors for arguably the finest theatre company in the world”.

Andrew remains busy as an educator working at both the University of Birmingham, and Birmingham Conservatoire. He was appointed as percussion co-ordinator to the In Harmony Telford and Stoke music programme and continues to deliver workshops for CBSO, RSC and Orchestra of the Swan.

Andrew claims to have too many memorable moments with the CBSO; his first concert with Rattle as a student, the modern music festival Fluff with Oramo, the epic works of Strauss, Mahler and Shostakovich with Nelsons and of course the legendary CBSO Percussion Concerts to name just a few.

Outside of the orchestra Andrew is kept busy with his family of 3 young children. He does however enjoy a beer from time to time!

Live in concert

  • Centre Stage: American Percussion

Photograph of Andrew Herbert dressed as the tin man as he plays a drumkit during a Relaxed Concert

Meet more of our players

  • Photograph of percussionist Matthew Hardy sitting on a flight of stairs and smiling whilst he holds timpani malletts

    Matthew Hardy

    Section Leader Timpani
  • Headshot of percussionist Toby Kearney

    Toby Kearney

    Principal Percussion and Timpani
  • Headshot of percussionist Aidy Spillett

    Adrian Spillett

    Section Leader Percussion

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Further content for Andrew Herbert

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Photograph of Kazuki Yamada conducting the orchestra at Symphony Hall

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(0121) 616 6500 information@cbso.co.uk

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