Andrew's Musical Background
Trombonist Andrew Thompson displays musical and professional maturity far beyond his years; his consummate versatility, talent and hard work have won him awards, landed him exceptional opportunities and flown him around the world where he has entertained diverse audiences in a wide variety of styles with numerous groups.
From the time he was caught sneaking downstairs to play his older brother's trombone, Andrew knew he would be a musician. Born and raised in the Portland, Oregon metro area, Andrew was very fortunate to be exposed to a wide variety of musical styles from the beginning of his development. The instruction and guidance he received early on - particularly in his years at Aloha High School - shaped him into the well-rounded musician he is today. Andrew continues to prove himself an extraordinarily versatile musician who is comfortable playing in classical, jazz, contemporary, soul, blues, commercial, country, funk, musical theater, pop, and studio settings.
In 2001, Andrew moved to beautiful Tucson Arizona where he began studies in music education and trombone performance at the University of Arizona on a full tuition scholarship. While at the UofA, Andrew studied with world-renowned trombonist/educator Tom Ervin and flourished in a wide variety of studies and activities in classical performance, conducting, education, jazz, chamber music, and arranging, among others. Andrew also maintained a busy schedule as a freelance trombonist, performing with a wide variety of ensembles, including three years with Descarga, Tucson’s hottest salsa band. In the winter of 2005 Andrew graduated manga cum laude with degrees in Instrumental Music Education and Trombone Performance. He was also very fortunate to be the recipient of the College of Fine Arts “Outstanding Senior” Award from his graduating class.
As an educator, Andrew has experience with many ability levels. For two years he served as Director of Bands at Doolen Middle School, which has one of the finest music programs in Tucson. While at the UofA, he co-led the Middle School Outreach Band, co-directed the University Trombone Choir, and served as assistant conductor for the Symphonic Band (the only undergraduate in recent years to do so). In his three years as an instructor with the nationally renowned Arizona Jazz Academy, Andrew led both middle and high school ensembles concerts and contests across the southwest USA. Andrew also has taught low brass clinics for students ranging from elementary to college levels and taught private lessons extensively.
In the summer of 2004, Andrew was selected as one of four trombonists for the DisneyWorld Collegiate All-Star Band, a 20-piece group made up of some of the finest college musicians in America. The group performed live in the Magic Kingdom daily for three months and worked with numerous world-class clinicians.
Upon graduation from the University of Arizona, Andrew started work as a showband trombonist for Carnival Cruise Lines, where he enjoyed a schedule of playing music, practicing, and relaxing in the beautiful Bahamas. After only a few short months on the M/S Fantasy, Andrew was promoted to musical director, a position he enjoyed for the remainder of his contract. As musical director, he was responsible for managing and scheduling for all 23 musicians on board, as well as directing/arranging for the 8-piece showband.
In 2006, Andrew was invited by the International Trombone Association to be a finalist in the Frank Wiehe solo competition, which celebrates the music of Arthur Pryor. At the International Trombone Festival in Birmingham, England he competed in the final round of the competition and was awarded second place.
Andrew was pleased to be the trombonist for the 2006-2007 US tour of “I Can’t Stop Loving You: A Tribute To Ray Charles.” After a run in London's west end and a UK tour, the hit musical revue toured America (www.geniusofray.com), released a live cd, and entertained audiences nation-wide. Being out on the road also afforded Andrew time to study electric bass, which he had always wanted to do. He has studied with bassists Elliot Kuykendall and Jack Wood and enjoys playing with groups in various styles.
After his stint on the road, Andrew moved back in the Tucson, Arizona area for two years. He served as Director of Bands at Doolen Middle School, musical director/lead trombonist with salsa/latin jazz group Descarga, trombonist with Salsarengue, and enjoyed a busy schedule as a freelance musician.
Andrew recently moved to the Chicago to start his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies at DePaul University on a nearly full-tuition scholarship. At DePaul, he studies with trombonist Tim Coffman and Director of Jazz Studies Bob Lark. His primary trombone teachers have included Tom Ervin, Robert Taylor, Rob Boone, and Michael Becker. Andrew is very thankful to have the enduring love and support of his family and friends. In particular, his fabulously talented girlfriend Henriët Fourie and his loving family: parents Howard and Carla and brother Jeff.