About AndrewAndrew E. Lawson (b. 1997) is an American composer, arranger, orchestrator, and music educator. Since 2019, he has served as Director of Bands at the Innovation Academy of Robertson County in Springfield, TN. His responsibilities at Innovation Academy include directing the Beginning Band, Middle School Concert Band, High School Band, and Athletic Bands. In 2022, Lawson was honored as a Marquis Who's Who in America Biographee for his contributions to music education and music literature, and in 2023 and 2024, he was named Distinguished Young Educator of the Year at Innovation Academy.
As a composer, Lawson writes for a variety of ensembles, including band, orchestra, brass band, brass choir, and chamber ensembles. He is a three-time winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony's International Fanfare Composition Competition (2016, 2019, 2020) and, in 2020, had compositions named a semi-finalist and finalist for The American Prize in Wind Band Composition. In 2022, he joined the arranging staff at SouthCoast Music and Design. Over the last decade, Lawson has written over 250 arrangements for churches across the Southeastern United States and continues to write and arrange for the church on a regular basis. Andrew's music has been commissioned and performed by middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles across the United States, including the Roane County High School Wind Ensemble, Tullahoma High School Band, Tennessee Tech University Symphony Band, University of Georgia Wind Ensemble, Texas Tech Concert Band, Vandercook College of Music Symphonic Band, and most notably, the Dallas Wind Symphony. His music has also been featured at state and national band conferences including the Virginia Music Education Association Conference, the Tri-Lakes Honor Band Clinic, and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. His music is published with Lovebird Music, BrookWright Music, and Murphy Music Press. Andrew is a graduate of Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma, TN, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Tennessee Technological University, and a Master's Degree in Music Education from Eastern Washington University. Lawson’s professional affiliations include active memberships in the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (MTSBOA), Tennessee Music Educators Association (TMEA), Tennessee Bandmasters Association (TBA), High School Band Director's National Association (HSBDNA), National Band Association (NBA), American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). When away from teaching, composing, and performing, Andrew enjoys hiking, bike riding, kayaking, fishing, volunteering at his church, spending time with friends and family, and playing disc golf. |
B.M. in Music Education, Tennessee Technological University, 2019
M.M. in Music Education, Eastern Washington University, 2024 |
FAQ's
When did you start composing?
I composed my first piece of music when I was in 8th Grade - a piece for brass quintet. As you might imagine, it wasn't great, but it was a starting point. I began composing and arranging seriously later in high school when writing for our band at church, copying music from the hymnal and transposing the parts for each instrument. In high school, I took an honors band course that had a composition component and wrote my first pieces for brass ensemble and concert band. When I arrived at Tennessee Tech, I had my first collegiate premier with the Tennessee Tech Horn Choir - a piece for four horns called Illuminations. The first major premier I had came in the Spring of 2016 when the Dallas Youth Wind Symphony and Dallas Wind Symphony premiered Mach 10. From there, everything kind of took off! Now I have the privilege of writing for bands, orchestras, and other groups across the country.
What grades do you teach?
I'm proud to serve as Director of Bands at Innovation Academy in Springfield, TN. I teach all middle school and high school band classes. I also direct the basketball pep band, percussion ensemble, jazz band, and assist with the Springfield High School Marching Band.
Where did you receive your musical training?
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University and am currently attending Eastern Washington University, where I am working on my Master's Degree in Music Education.
What instruments do you play?
While I teach all the instruments, my primary instrument is French Horn, but I also play trumpet and trombone.
Do you ever do clinics with ensembles or conduct honor bands?
Yes! Send me a message if you'd like to have me come work with your group. I love working with ensembles of all ages and ability levels from middle school band through university and professional ensembles.
I'm interested in composing music. Any advice?
Just start! If you wait until you feel more ready, you’ll never start. I recommend writing for your instrument first and finding a few friends or family members to play for, or to have play with you. Personally, I started writing by arranging hymns for our group at church. From there, it has been a lot of trial and error to learn what works for me and what doesn't. As you progress, study the scores of your favorite composers and try to learn how to use their techniques to influence your own style, AND reach out to experienced composers that you respect for advice and critique. Constructive criticism goes a long way toward getting better at your craft.
I'd love to commission you to write for my ensemble! How do I do it?
Easy! Contact me for information about the timeline and price. If the timeline is good for me and the price is good for you - we'll make it happen!
I'd like advice on composition. Can i send you a score to look at it?
I'd be happy to look at your score and lend some advice and general feedback! Please allow some time for a response while I study your score - all feedback will be constructive.
What's your writing process?
My process has remained simple, but it has changed over time. Recently, with pieces like As Long As Stars Shall Shine and The Wildcat March, I have started by writing the program notes and picking a title. This really helps guide me as I write the piece, and allows me to write music that better serves its intended purpose. The title and program notes may change when the piece is finished, but provides at least an idea to work from. I also begin seeking out other pieces that fit the general theme or feel that I'm going for to see what techniques other composers have used to achieve certain sounds, tone colors, and feelings.
Next, I move to the piano with a few tools:
Once the main themes are sketched out and the basic harmonic structure is established, I move to the computer where I use my keyboard and notation software (I prefer Sibelius) to develop and expand upon the ideas I sketched out. From there, I write until the piece is finished. After the piece is finished, the score and parts go through rigorous editing to eliminate typos and fix any formatting problems on the page.
Next, I move to the piano with a few tools:
- Fountain Pen - I use pen because it requires me to slow down and really consider what I'm writing – a typo in pen can't be erased.
- I like to sing my melodies and then map them out using the piano. When I've really worked out a phrase (or phrases), I'll write them down, making some shorthand marks regarding harmony, etc.
- Ruler – for drawing bar lines and making sure everything lines up vertically on the page.
- Manuscript paper
Once the main themes are sketched out and the basic harmonic structure is established, I move to the computer where I use my keyboard and notation software (I prefer Sibelius) to develop and expand upon the ideas I sketched out. From there, I write until the piece is finished. After the piece is finished, the score and parts go through rigorous editing to eliminate typos and fix any formatting problems on the page.
What is your favorite thing about being a composer?
My favorite thing about being a composer, ironically, is not writing the music or hear the applause after a performance, but rather the opportunity to share my music with others. That sounds rather cheesy, but writing can be extremely frustrating at times, especially when you hit the dreaded "writer's block". The creative process is not easy - It's often emotionally draining and mentally exhausting. Sharing the music with performers and audience members, on the other hand, is always exciting.
Who are your biggest influences as a composer?
While I try to regularly listen to a variety of musical genres (from baroque to modern rock to classic country and everything in between), there are a few composers whose writing I am constantly drawn to, and whose music I regularly study. I am particularly drawn to these composers because of their use of counterpoint and their orchestration techniques. Here's my top 12 favorite, in no particular order:
1. Gustav Mahler - I particularly enjoy Mahler's 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Symphonies. The orchestration technique, melodic writing, and harmonic content are sublime. Whether I'm listening to a performance or studying a score, I always learn something. My favorite Mahler moment is the brass chorale in Mahler 2, near the end.
2. David Maslanka - I really admire Maslanka's ability to combine original material with elements and/or quotations of Bach chorales and hymns. His ability to stir up the emotions of the listener is second to none. His music is incredibly intentional - there are no extra notes on the page.
3. Johann Sebastian Bach - I think Bach should be on every composer's top 10 list. His mastery of counterpoint, harmony, and melody is absolutely incredible. And he does all of this without sounding mechanical.
4. John Williams - He has written "The Soundtrack of Our Lives". I grew up hearing John Williams' scores in nearly all of my favorite films. His orchestration technique is incredible, as is his ability to create both thematic material and shorter motifs.
5. William Schumann - I first heard William Schumann's music in college at Tennessee Tech when we performed "George Washington Bridge" and later "When Jesus Wept". His use of quartal harmony, quintal harmony, polychords, and other extended harmonic writing has always fascinated me. His ability to develop a theme is also notable.
6. William Owens - William Owens' music for younger bands is some of my favorite. His ability to write simple, yet extremely effective music for young bands is incredible. Kids love performing his music and audiences love hearing it.
7. James Curnow - I grew up playing the music of band giants like James Curnow. His orchestration is incredible, and his melodic writing is incredibly diverse. I love to study Curnow's scores for their careful orchestration and use of color.
8. Alfred Reed - Two of my all-time favorite pieces are El Camino Real and Alleluia Laudamus Te by Alfred Reed. I love everything about these pieces. I have scores for both on my bookshelf and frequently reference them for orchestration technique in more dense scoring between woodwinds and brass. I also love to study Armenian Dances - a real masterclass in great writing for the wind band.
9. Julie Giroux - The first piece I ever played by Julie Giroux was Bonsai Tree, when I was in the 8th grade band. To this day, it's the only piece I remember from middle school band. Giroux's music always carries a great depth of creativity and high craftsmanship.
10. Elmer Bernstein - One of the great film composers of old Hollywood, I love the great deal of expression found in Bernstein's music. Growing up, my dad, grandfather, and I loved to watch Western movies together. My favorite was The Magnificent Seven starring Yul Brynner, Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen, and more - a film with a star-studded cast, a great story, and even better music to back it up.
11. Samuel Hazo - I am consistently taken aback by the incredible amount of power in Hazo's music. His creative use of harmony alongside stunning melodic writing gives me goosebumps just about every time I hear one of his pieces.
12. Brian Balmages - As a band director and composer, I absolutely love Balmages' work. His ability to craft great music for all age levels is second to none.
1. Gustav Mahler - I particularly enjoy Mahler's 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Symphonies. The orchestration technique, melodic writing, and harmonic content are sublime. Whether I'm listening to a performance or studying a score, I always learn something. My favorite Mahler moment is the brass chorale in Mahler 2, near the end.
2. David Maslanka - I really admire Maslanka's ability to combine original material with elements and/or quotations of Bach chorales and hymns. His ability to stir up the emotions of the listener is second to none. His music is incredibly intentional - there are no extra notes on the page.
3. Johann Sebastian Bach - I think Bach should be on every composer's top 10 list. His mastery of counterpoint, harmony, and melody is absolutely incredible. And he does all of this without sounding mechanical.
4. John Williams - He has written "The Soundtrack of Our Lives". I grew up hearing John Williams' scores in nearly all of my favorite films. His orchestration technique is incredible, as is his ability to create both thematic material and shorter motifs.
5. William Schumann - I first heard William Schumann's music in college at Tennessee Tech when we performed "George Washington Bridge" and later "When Jesus Wept". His use of quartal harmony, quintal harmony, polychords, and other extended harmonic writing has always fascinated me. His ability to develop a theme is also notable.
6. William Owens - William Owens' music for younger bands is some of my favorite. His ability to write simple, yet extremely effective music for young bands is incredible. Kids love performing his music and audiences love hearing it.
7. James Curnow - I grew up playing the music of band giants like James Curnow. His orchestration is incredible, and his melodic writing is incredibly diverse. I love to study Curnow's scores for their careful orchestration and use of color.
8. Alfred Reed - Two of my all-time favorite pieces are El Camino Real and Alleluia Laudamus Te by Alfred Reed. I love everything about these pieces. I have scores for both on my bookshelf and frequently reference them for orchestration technique in more dense scoring between woodwinds and brass. I also love to study Armenian Dances - a real masterclass in great writing for the wind band.
9. Julie Giroux - The first piece I ever played by Julie Giroux was Bonsai Tree, when I was in the 8th grade band. To this day, it's the only piece I remember from middle school band. Giroux's music always carries a great depth of creativity and high craftsmanship.
10. Elmer Bernstein - One of the great film composers of old Hollywood, I love the great deal of expression found in Bernstein's music. Growing up, my dad, grandfather, and I loved to watch Western movies together. My favorite was The Magnificent Seven starring Yul Brynner, Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen, and more - a film with a star-studded cast, a great story, and even better music to back it up.
11. Samuel Hazo - I am consistently taken aback by the incredible amount of power in Hazo's music. His creative use of harmony alongside stunning melodic writing gives me goosebumps just about every time I hear one of his pieces.
12. Brian Balmages - As a band director and composer, I absolutely love Balmages' work. His ability to craft great music for all age levels is second to none.