André Hopcroft

Andre joined Milnrow Band at the end of the summer in 2025, bringing with him a background steeped in the Littleborough brass band organisation. Starting on cornet in primary school, Andre worked through second cornet and flugel before finishing as principal cornet, then making the move to Milnrow.

Musically, a couple of moments stand out. Being part of the team that won the 2025 Scottish Open with Milnrow is a huge highlight, as is gaining a coveted place to study at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Andre’s most memorable Milnrow performance so far is that same Scottish Open victory at Perth Concert Hall – first contest with the band, first time on stage with them, and walking away with the title.

Day to day, Andre loves the sheer effort that goes into every rehearsal and seeing how far the band moves a piece on in a short space of time. The social side is “second to none” and that was obvious from the very first rehearsal.

Outside of banding, Andre co‑runs an events company specialising in music events and festivals, with a big concert series in April 2026 and a “Night at the Musicals” planned for October. If there is a stage involved, there is a good chance Andre is somewhere nearby.