American Conductor Biography Andrew Lee Neer Andrew Neer
Artistic Philosophy
Conductor Andrew Lee Neer is an engaging artistic leader known for his dynamic, expressive conducting style and passionate vision on and off the podium. He serves as the Music Director and Conductor for a diverse portfolio of four distinguished professional ensembles in Southeast Michigan: the Macomb Symphony Orchestra (Clinton Township, MI), the Warren Symphony Orchestra (Warren, MI), the agile chamber orchestra Orchestra Sono (Bloomfield Hills MI), and the Oakland Choral Society (Auburn Hills MI). Through these leadership roles, he is dedicated to expanding the awareness of orchestral and choral music, driven by a core belief that its power is transformative, essential for the community, and an experience everyone should have.
Andrew’s work is driven by a comprehensive artistic vision that extends from programming to performance. He curates concert experiences woven together by an "inner thread"—a unifying theme designed to connect the inner being of the music. In his programming, he often places new works alongside established masterworks, creating a thoughtful dialogue that reveals how the same muse frequently moves composers across centuries. His goal is to connect audiences with the art of today—not as a challenge, but as a vibrant and essential part of the human story.
A Vision of Community
This commitment to music as a unifying force is evident both on and off the podium. In 2017, he demonstrated this by assembling a 60-member professional orchestra that raised over $14,500 for the Hurricane Relief Fund—a philanthropic endeavor that paved the way for his appointment at Orchestra Sono. Building on this spirit of service, Andrew continually explores new ways to keep the art form relevant, bringing music directly to the community in venues ranging from zoos and outdoor series to beach concerts. Furthermore, he is also deeply committed to championing the music of our time, frequently leading premieres and collaborating with living composers such as Norah Duncan IV, Alexia Benson, Dinah Bianchi, Gala Flagello, and Grayson Jarvis, among others, to ensure the art form continues to evolve.
From the podium, Neer shares his passion directly, using humor and insight to connect with the human side of the music. He draws parallels between the issues of the past embedded in the score and the shared experiences of the present, creating a sense of community through interaction and conversation. This philosophy is guided by his belief that a 21st-century orchestra is not just an institution to preserve art, but a living entity that creates it anew in every performance. It must be a place where people of all backgrounds can connect through the fabric of music. This vision is put into practice through his frequent collaborations with living composers and through community-unifying projects.
A Journey: From Composer to COnductor
This dual passion for interpreting and creating music has defined his artistic journey. While his undergraduate work at Central Michigan University spanned Composition, Trumpet, and Music Theatre, his focus on composition led to ambitious projects, including large-scale works and scores for theatre and film. His path to the podium was solidified while pursuing a Master of Music in Composition at Wayne State University, where crafting his orchestral thesis, "Remember Us," reignited his passion for conducting. This inspired him to pursue a second MM in Conducting at WSU, followed by private study with renowned conductor Kenneth Kiesler.
His academic career culminated in a Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the world-renowned University of Michigan, where he was awarded the prestigious Helen Wu Graduate Conducting Fellowship. During his DMA, he played a pivotal role in the revival of the Campus Orchestras following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a testament to his leadership and commitment to musical community.
At Home
Born in Tucker, Georgia (b. 1982), Andrew has lived in Michigan most of his life. In his spare time, he cherishes cooking and spending time with his wife, Mary Lynn, their son, and their two dogs. He is ever thankful to his wife and parents for their constant support.
