Growing up in the North East, Garrie started his involvement in the brass band world playing with local bands such as ‘Havertonhill Silver Band and ‘Head Wrightsons Works Band’ (subsequently Middlesbrough Brass).’ He then trained at Leeds College of Music (1st study Euphonium) under the guidance of Robert Childs and William Miller. While there he followed an interest in conducting and took the opportunity to study the subject in more depth; practising on ensembles and orchestras within the college as well as various bands in and around the Leeds area.
After graduating from Leeds College of Music, Garrie worked for some time as a professional musician before training to be a secondary school music teacher at Bretton Hall, Wakefield.
Garrie moved to Kent in the early 1990’s having worked, played and conducted in the counties of Cleveland, West Yorkshire and Essex. Garrie is qualified as an Advanced Skills Teacher; currently working at Sittingbourne Community College. Conducting has always been a passion and prior to stepping in to take up the baton at East Peckham, Garrie conducted Medway Concert Brass in Kent and ‘Harlow Brass’ in Essex.
Now the position of Musical Director at East Peckham has been appointed, Garrie has enjoyed returning to the role of a versatile multi-instrumentalist, playing Flugel with the Kent Police Band and deputising for East Peckham when needed.