American Conductor Biography Andrew Lee Neer Andrew Neer
Artistic Journey of an American Conductor
Andrew Lee Neer (b. 1982), was born in Tucker, Georgia and has lived in Michigan most of his life, where he currently resides with his wife, Mary Lynn, son, and two dogs. In his work as a conductor and music director he is known for his dynamic and expressive style and technique, as well as his artistic passion on and off the podium. Andrew is honored to serve as the Music Director / Conductor of Warren Symphony Orchestra (Warren, MI), Macomb Symphony Orchestra (Clinton Township, MI), Orchestra Sono (Bloomfield Hills MI), and Artistic Director / Conductor of Oakland Choral Society (Auburn Hills MI). He is constantly working to expand awareness of orchestral music and its positive impact on society. Music is transformative, something everyone should experience.
Mr. Neer’s undergraduate work consisted of Composition, Trumpet, and Music Theatre Performance studies at Central Michigan University (CMU). In his time at CMU, he had the privilege of working with Dr. Eric Hoy Tucker (voice), Dr. Timothy Caldwell (voice), and Dr. Dennis Horton (trumpet). Though his primary focus was on performance and singing, his passion was composition. In addition to his private instrument instructors, Mr. Neer was honored to work with composers Scott R. Harding, the late Jose-Luis Maurtua, and David R. Gillingham.
Neer’s ambition and vision are evident in his compositional undertakings. His first major project, The Battle Grounds, was a grand spectacle dedicated to the memory of those lost in the United States Civil War. This ambitious endeavor paved the way for further cross-departmental collaborations, including original underscores for theatrical productions like Moliere’s Tartuffe and a short ballet , A Mother’s Love. Neer had the privilege of working with acclaimed performers Dr. Eric Hoy Tucker (Southern Salute) and Dr. Alexandra Mascolo-David, and has also composed music for short and independent films, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a composer.
Masters & Advanced Study
Following his time at CMU, Mr. Neer embarked on a journey of musical mastery, pursuing a Master of Music (MM) in Composition/Theory at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Under the guidance of Dr. James Hartway, Mr. Neer honed his compositional expertise, seamlessly blending atonality, serialism, and tonal music to create evocative works for voice, chamber, and symphonic orchestra.
His passion for conducting was reignited while crafting his thesis for orchestra, “Remember Us,” prompting him to pursue a second MM in Conducting at WSU. Under the tutelage of Douglas Bianchi and Norah Duncan IV, Mr. Neer expanded his conducting prowess.
In 2015, Mr. Neer sought private study with renowned orchestral conductor Kenneth Kiesler, leading to opportunities to assist him in Europe and the U.S. He has since conducted orchestras across the United States and Europe.
Not content with personal growth alone, Mr. Neer sees music as a unifying force in communities. In 2017, he assembled a 60-member professional orchestra in Metro-Detroit, MI, raising over $14,500 for the Hurricane Relief Fund. This philanthropic endeavor paved the way for his appointment as Music Director of Orchestra Sono. Additionally, in 2018, he took the helm as the Artistic Director and Conductor of Oakland Choral Society, a semi-professional orchestral chorus in Auburn Hills, MI.
Under Andrew’s guidance and the excellent leadership teams of these ensembles, these organizations have flourished musically, and he is deeply honored to lead them toward musical excellence.
Doctorate & Beyond
In 2023, Andrew earned a Doctor in Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the world-renowned University of Michigan. During his time there, he was awarded the prestigious Helen Wu Graduate Conducting Fellowship. Notably, in the Fall of 2021, he played a pivotal role in the revival of the Campus Orchestras, a testament to his leadership and commitment following the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the fall of 2022, Andrew accepted the role of Music Director & Conductor of the Macomb Symphony Orchestra. In the fall of 2023, he was offered and accepted the role of Music Director of the Warren Symphony Orchestra, and he is excited to carry on the legacy of the founder David Daniels.
Andrew is dedicated to championing new composers and their works, often leading premieres and early performances. His commitment to the music industry is evident in his frequent collaborations with living composers such as Alexia Benson, Dinah Bianchi, Gala Flagello, Grayson Jarvis, Yun Ma, and Ancel Neely, among others.
In his spare time, he cherishes spending time and cooking for/with his wife, Mary Lynn, their son, and dogs.
Andrew holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan and two Master of Music degrees in Composition and Conducting from Wayne State University, Detroit MI. He is an active member of ASCAP, The Conductors Guild, League of American Orchestras, College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA), The Society of Composers International, and alumni to Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He aspires to create new music and opportunities to share music with anyone who may not normally experience orchestral and opera repertoire. He is ever thankful to his wife and parents for their constant support!
Organizations
P.O. Box 1925
Birmingham MI 48012
www.orchestrasono.org
PO Box 214064
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-4064
www.oaklandchoralsociety.org