Andrew Wheelock 

​JAZZ MUSICIAN / PERCUSSIONIST / EDUCATOR / COMPOSER

Latest Project release

"Last year I learned about a grant opportunity through the Wyoming Arts Council via the National Endowment for the Arts. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was designed to “assist local governments nationwide with Covid-19 pandemic recovery.” What better way to do that than through the arts? During the last 10 years of my career I have been increasingly more interested in writing for big bands. I’ve formed my own big band, released recordings of my arrangements and have written for professional and college ensembles. As someone who regularly adjudicates high school jazz festivals, I have wanted to create some repertoire designed specifically for this age group for quite a while. This grant was the perfect opportunity. The School Sessions Vol. 1 represents 9 of my compositions that vary in difficulty to accommodate the range of different high school groups one can find in Wyoming. They were recorded by some of the finest musicians on the front range and provide students and directors with excellent examples from which to learn from. Finally, the charts were made available for free to all directors in the state of Wyoming." 
- Ben Markley