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B.S, Troy University, Music Industry with an emphasis in Orchestral / Concert Percussion Performance
2001 - Emerald Knights Drumline Section Leader / Center Snare
2004 - Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps Outstanding Marching Percussion Award
2006 - 2007 Troy University Tenor Line Section Leader
2007 - Troy University Assistant Drumline Section Leader
2008 - Troy University Front Ensemble Section Leader
2008 - 2nd Place PASIC Collegiate Tenor Solo
Spring - Fall 2007, Fall 2008, Spring 2009 - Troy University Symphony Band Principle Percussionist
Spring 2006 - Performing Percussionist for Stormworks Chapter 1 Prime: A wish to the World
2007 - Principle Percussionist for Whispers on the Wind Album by Stephen Melillo
I am a working professional who enjoys enhancing the knowledge of young musicians, and watching them grow as people and individuals. I am a freelance percussionist, musician, consultant, and private lessons instructor currently residing in Chicago. I have worked with numerous high school, collegiate, WGI, and DCI programs in Nevada, Alabama,Wisconsin, California and Illinois as an educator, consultant and clinician. My original works have been performed by the UNLV Star of Nevada Drumline, the Troy University Sound of the South Drumline, The University of West Alabama Catalyst Drumline, the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps, the Americanos Drum and Bugle Corps, along with various high school programs across the country.
Andrew has studied percussion for 15 years, and has been involved with the Marching Percussion Activity for over 10 years as a performer, clinician, composer, arranger, and educator. He has marched with the Emerald Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from Cedar Rapids, Iowa (inactive) as the Center Snare and Drum Line Section Leader. He also was a member of the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a member of the Tenor Line. Andrew was voted the 2004 Pioneer Marching Percussion Member of the Year by the educational and administrative staff. He has taught and had original compositions and arrangements played by high school drum lines in Illinois, Alabama, and Nevada; including collegiate ensemles such as the UNLV Star of Nevada Drum Line, the UWA Catalyst Drum Line, and the Troy University Sound of the South Drum Line. Andrew was most recently a Percussion Instructor for the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he primarily instructed the Tenor Line, but also ran many rehearsals and worked with all the percussive sections. Andrew recently completed his B.S. Degree in Music with a focus in Music Industry from Troy University in Troy, AL. While at Troy, Andrew was the Tenor Line Section Leader, Assistant Drum Line Section Leader, and the Front Ensemble / Mallet Percussion Section Leader of the Sound of the South Marching Band. Andrew was also a member of the Troy University Symphony Band, were he served as a performer and Principle Percussionist. The Symphony Band recorded two albums with world-renowned composer Stephen Melillo, which Andrew was a performing percussionist on both, and the Principle Percussionist for the Whispers on the Wind album. The Symphony Band also recorded Alfred Reed's "Symphony for Brass and Percussion" for Alfred Music Group during the time Andrew was the Principle Percussionist. Andrew has also competed in the PASIC Collegiate Individual Tenor Solo Competition and has placed in the Top Ten four times, the Top Five Twice, along with a 2nd Place finish in 2008. Andrew has studied percussion with Dr. Adam Blackstock, Associate Professor Eric Ward, Bryden Atwater, Stuart Spoon, Will Doty, Tym Healy, Adam Cowger, Keith Tulk, and Mickey Hartzog. Andrew has also studied the Music Industry with Dr. John Jinright and Music Theory under Dr. Thomas Liley. Andrew is currently a freelance percussionist, composer, and arranger in the Chicago area, and is proud to be a Performing Artist, Endorser, and Clinician for Dynasty Percussion.
I make sure all of my students have a solid foundation in technique and rythm with Progressive Step to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed, Stick Contro by George Lawrence Stone, and then try to tailor the lessons to the students specific needs. I use standard method books based on the students goals along with personal exercises and techniques to help supplement the development of the focused area of study the student wishes to pursue.
I realize all students have individuals personalities and needs. I tailor my methods to help the students achieve their individual goals. I enjoy watching my students grow as musicians and people, find satisfaction knowing I can help them succeed in obtaining their dreams as musicians.