Andrew Bennett

 

Andrew Bennett is an Adjunct Music Lecturer at the SUNY Fredonia School of Music where he teaches Applied Trombone Lessons and Trombone Secondary Instrument classes. 

He also serves as the Music Department Instructional Leader for the Fredonia Central School District. There he directs the High School Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles, Pep Band, and the Pit Orchestra while serving as the AP Music Theory and JCC College Connections Music Instructor. While at Fredonia High School the band program has taken part in many exciting events including guest artist residencies, performance tours, and the commissioning of multiple world premiere works for wind band. During his time at Fredonia CSD the number of students participating in music courses has almost doubled with over 80% of students districtwide currently enrolled in a music course. 

As an educator, he has presented at conferences, conducted honor ensembles across the state, and served as a clinician for band programs and multiple levels. He has also been nominated for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award three times and recognized by SBO Magazine as New York State’s “Band Director Who Makes a Difference,” in 2023. 

As a trombonist, Andrew performs around Western New York, performing regularly with area classical and jazz ensembles and serving as the principal trombonist of the Western New York Chamber Orchestra and the Southern Tier Symphony.  

He has experience working with collegiate level trombonists at SUNY Fredonia, Ithaca College, and Villa Maria. Other trombone highlights include directing the Ithaca College Trombone Troupe from 2008-2010, performing in an ITA Runner Up Trombone Quartet, and having the honor of playing with Aretha Franklin. 

Andrew is an active member of the New York State School Music Association, a past president of the Chautauqua County Music Teachers Association, and a member of the International Trombone Association. He is currently also serving as the CCMTA Solo Festival Chair and NYSSMA Instrumental Major Organization Festival Chairperson for Chautauqua County.  

Outside of music, Andrew enjoys going on adventures with his wife and daughter around WNY and beyond. 

 

 

Awards and Honors

• GRAMMY Music Educator Award Semi-Finalist, GRAMMY Foundation (2020).
• GRAMMY Music Educator Award Quarter-Finalist, GRAMMY Foundation (2018).
• GRAMMY Music Educator Award Quarter-Finalist, GRAMMY Foundation (2022).
• New York State's Band Director "Who Makes a Difference", School Band and Orchestra Magazine (2023).
• President, Chautauqua County Music Teachers Association (2015).

License/Certification

• NYS Professional Teaching Certificate

Professional Membership

• National Association for Music Education
• New York State School Music Association
• Chautauqua County Music Teachers Association
• International Trombone Association

Performances/Exhibits

• "Western New York Chamber Orchestra," Principal Trombone
• "Southern Tier Symphony," Principal Trombone
• "Buffalo Brass Choir," Principal Trombone