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Andrew Classen, trumpet
Andrew Classen is professor of trumpet and jazz studies at Drake University. He is currently second trumpet with the Des Moines Symphony and principal trumpet with Orchestra Iowa. He has played in many of the touring Broadway shows: Wicked, Spamalot, Book of Mormon, Hairspray, Annie, Little Shop of Horrors, The Producers, Chicago (solo trumpet), The Full Monty, 42nd Street, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
He often works as a clinician and guest artist for recitals, masterclasses and seminars, regionally, nationally and internationally. He has performed in China, Mexico, England and much of continental Europe. His classical trumpet album, It’s About Time, is available through Amazon or the iTunes store.
He is the leader of the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra, which just released their first album, Class ‘n Jazz: The Music of Andy Classen. His is also an active jazz composer. He currently has six compositions published through C.L. Barnhouse Publishing.
He received a Bachelor in Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and a Master of Music degree in trumpet performance from the University of Tennessee. His principal trumpet teachers were Vincent Cichowicz at Northwestern University, William Adam at Indiana University, Robert Baca at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and Cathy Leach at the University of Tennessee.
Andrew Classen became the inaugural holder of the Fred and Patty Turner Professorship in Jazz, thanks to a $1 million gift from Drake alumnus Fred Turner. Mr. Turner noted, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the future generations of musicians who will keep this art form alive. Creating a jazz professorship at my alma mater is a perfect fit. This is my own way of making sure the music plays on.”