Andrews Kenneth

Article by Kathleen Hay
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June 8, 2007

Never forget who makes the music. That's the wisdom Kenneth Andrews, a sought-after conductor and flutist, shares when it comes to waving the baton. Guest soloist with the Seaway Winds Concert Band, as it concludes its fifth anniversary season June 16 at Aultsville Theatre, he's anticipating the experience of performance once again.

"It's going to be a lot of fun, I'm really looking forward to it," said the Crane School of Music professor. "I do so much conducting now, I don't get the chance to perform as much as I'd like . "I always tell people you never forget to be on the other side of the podium."

Andrews feels strongly when it comes to remembering who's actually making the music. The conductor may shape and create the overall effect so that an orchestra moves as a unit, but he or she is not the one playing the notes. "It's the musicians who really do the work," he says. "It's them who really make the music. "I think it's very important to keep the musicians in mind when conducting." He should know.

Formerly associate principal flutist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, he has played under noted conductors Zubin Mehta, Leonard Slatkin, Jean Martinon, Charles Dutoit and Franz Paul Decker. A first prize winner at the Pittsburgh International Wind Competition, he has performed as a recitalist, orchestral soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Currently, he's music director/conductor for the Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY) and the Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra (SSYO). Since 1986, he's served on Crane's faculty; where he teaches flute, coaches chamber music and is music director of the Contemporary Music Ensemble. He also performs with the Potsdam Woodwind Quintet, and the Potsdam Baroque Ensemble.

Andrew's accolades don't end there. His teaching abilities have been lauded time and again through the President's Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Endeavours, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, as well as for Research and Scholarship, and the New York State United University' Professors Excellence Award for Outstanding Professional Performance and Community Service. Although obviously exceptionally gifted Andrews developed an early appreciation for
music. Brought up outside Chicago, his family were all talented musicians.

His grandfather might have been a "nationally renowned biochemist," but Andrews really knew him as a violist. His dad was a "fine pianist and organist," and his oldest brother, also a flutist. His next oldest brother also majored in music at university, and played cello and piano.

So it couldn't have been much of a surprise when Andrews decided to pursue musical studies at Indiana University, where he received both his bachelor and master's degrees. "I started playing piano in first grade, but in the fourth, I decided on the flute," he said, adding with a slight laugh, "I think my grandparents really wanted a string player. "Our family used to play a lot of chamber music, and we spent a lot of time doing sight reading."

In fact, one of the selections he'll be performing with the Winds, 'The Swiss Shepherd' (P. Morlacchi) is one he used to perform with his late father, James.

"Morlacchi was an opera, composer, and this is a transcription never done before," he explained. "It's a theme and variations, very beautiful. "My father and I used to play it together when I was a young boy."

As well, Andrews will perform the Concertino for Flute (Opus 107)' by , Cecile Cheminade. He considers her to be one, of the first women composers "who really came to fore" and who especially became known for my piano works, as well as this concertino. "This is one of the really great works for flute and orchestra," he said. "It's been performed many times, and is one of the most familiar works."

In addition, under the direction of Barb Hunter, the Seaway Winds will perform a world tour of composition. Among them will be selections from Britain, Norway, Canada and the United States. Perhaps due in no small part to the passion for music he shared with his own family as a youngster, Andrews continues to encourage today's youth. He loves working the Syracuse Symphony youth Orchestra "tremendously," particularly to give them the opportunity to think and perform as professionals.

As well, the first annual James and Katherine Andrews Instrumental Young Artist Competion was just held. The competition, funded through Andrews' family, gives the overall winner the opportunity to perform with the Orchestra of Northern New York, a professional ensemble.

"It's held in memory of my parents, and it's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I remember my own childhood and it really was encouraging. This is a chance to help give others the same opportunity," Andrews said. Kenneth Andrews will be quest soloist with the Seaway' Winds Concert Band as it concludes its fifth season at Aultsville Theatre.