Writing Experience

While Andrew is primarily a performer and teacher, he also has experience arranging and composing music for various age levels. He has written pieces for Brass Quintet, middle school jazz band, jazz combo, and big band.

While at the University of Arizona, Andrew studied jazz arranging with Jeffrey Haskell, director of Jazz Studies and renowned composer/arranger. He was also fortunate to study shortly with Disney World staff arranger Ed Gaston while he worked at the Magic Kingdom in 2004. He is available to write for ensembles of any level: from middle school bands and high school marching bands to professional ensembles. In order to get a better idea of his arranging style, check out these audio clips of pieces he's written:

 

 

Jazz Combo

Once More (Thompson)
This song was written in October 2009 and features Andrew playing with Drew Pierson (Tenor Saxophone), Holly Mead (Piano), Nick Kabat (Drums), and Dan Kristan (Bass).

 

Brass Quintet

Here We Come A-Wassailing (Traditional, arr. Andrew Thompson) - FivePlay Brass
This arrangement was written for "Greetings From The Artic: FivePlay Brass Does Christmas," FivePlay's first album (click here for more information on the album). It was recorded by Greenkeeper Productions in Tucson, Arizona.

 

Jazz Ensemble, Advanced

It's Wonderful
This arrangement was written for the Phil Woods Ensemble, DePaul University's premiere jazz combo. This is an octet version of a tune featuring Andrew on a song he wrote for his girlfriend Heniët Fourie.

Commissioning

Andrew is available to write pieces for school bands (marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, brass group), professional ensembles, and anything inbetween. He can write something to specifically tailored to your needs so if you're interested please contact him for specific information!