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 studies in Composition, Trumpet and Music Theatre Performance 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.
Andrew often sees things on a grand scale, evident in his first compositional undertaking writing a spectacle in honor of those lost in the United States Civil War, The Battle Grounds. This project led to cross-departmental projects as he composed original underscores for several theatrical productions, including Moliere’s Tartuffe and collaborations on a short ballet A Mother’s Love. He was honored to write music for critically acclaimed performers Dr. Eric Hoy Tucker (Southern Salute) and Dr. Alexandra Mascolo-David. Additionally, he has composed music for short and independent films.
Masters & Advanced Study
Shortly following his time at CMU, Mr. Neer began a Master of Music (MM) in Composition/Theory at Wayne State University in Detroit MI. While attending Wayne, he had the pleasure of working under the composition instruction of Dr. James Hartway. In his work with Dr. Hartway, he refined his technique and built upon his “American” sound melding atonality, serialism, and tonal music. He composed several works for voice, including the song cycle The Village, as well as works for chamber and symphonic orchestra. While writing his thesis for orchestra, Remember Us, he rekindled a passion for conducting. Upon completing the Composition degree, he immediately pursued a second MM in Conducting at WSU, studying with Douglas Bianchi, and Norah Duncan IV (choral).
In late 2015, Mr. Neer began private study with orchestral conductor and mentor Kenneth Kiesler, and has since been honored to assist him in Europe and projects in the U.S. Andrew has led orchestras at home in the United States and Europe. Later that year, he won the post of Music Director at Redford Civic Symphony Orchestra which quickly expanded the size of the orchestra, enabling them to perform works at a level not yet attained.
He continued to work diligently to expand his experience and inspiration. Believing that music is the cornerstone of building community, he assembled a 60-member professional orchestra in Metro-Detroit, MI, to raise funds for the Hurricane Relief Fund in the fall of 2017, raising just over $14,500 for the cause. This performance led to his appointment as Music Director of Orchestra Sono. In 2018, he became the Artistic Director / Conductor of Oakland Choral Society, a semi-professional orchestral chorus in Auburn Hills MI. He is greatly honored to lead these fine organizations.
Doctorate & Beyond
In 2023, Andrew earned a Doctor in Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from he world renown University of Michigan. In his time there he assisted the University Orchestras, recording sessions, and opera. In the Fall of 2021, he helped to resurrect the Campus Orchestras following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andrew aims to champion new composers and their works and has frequently led premieres and early performances of works by living composers Alexia Benson, Dinah Bianchi, Gala Flagello, Grayson Jarvis, Yun Ma, and Ancel Neely, to name a few.
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 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