Marty's drum corps life began in 1967. He became a member of Carey's Cadets Junior Fife and Drum Corps and started playing the fife. In 1975 he was the first to win the Connecticut Fifers and Drummers Association (CF&DA), Massachusetts Fife, Drum, and Bugle Association (Mass. FD&B), Hudson Valley Association, North Eastern States Association and the All-American National Championships. As a senior, Marty perfected his talent while performing with the Connecticut Blues of Middletown and the Sailing Masters of 1812 from Essex. He played most of his Senior years with St. Peter's Drum Corps of Torrington. Marty won 75 medals (74 were gold) and has been one of the highest medal winners in St. Peter's history. Marty won the CF&DA Senior male Modern Fife Championship and T.D. O'conner Perpetual Trophy in the following years: 1983-1987, 1989-1990 (Marty did not defend his title in 1988).

Marty was a fife instructor for Carey's, Prospect Drum Corps, New Fairfield Sparklers, a section leader for St. Peter's fife line, and an ensemble judge for the CF&DA. Many of Marty's students went on to become State and Northeastern Champions also.

The CF&DA, Hudson Valley Association, and the Mass. FD&B Association approved a perpetual trophy in memory of Martin D. Andrews to be awarded at their respective championship competitions to the individual with the highest fife score of the day.

Marty spent 23 of his 30 years in Drum Corps. His accomplishments and perseverance showed his dedication to Drum Corps life, and Drum Corps life gave him the freedom to express himself in music and the experience of performing his musical talents in different parts of the United States and many European countries.

There may be others equally dedicated to the fife, but none more so than Marty Andrews. The only time he was truly content was when he made music with his fife.