Drummer and Percussionist, Andy Wheelock, has performed with Ernie Watts, Jorge Glem, Bobby Shew, Chuchito Valdés, Joel Frahm, Henry Linarez, Bob Bowman, Ivan Trevino, and William Moersch.
Wheelock is an active performer and can be heard performing with the Live Edge Trio, Gonzalo Teppa Quintet, Ben Markley, New Stream Brass Ensemble, the University of Wyoming Jazz Faculty, the Cheyenne Symphony, and his own projects. As a composer and arranger, Wheelock writes regularly for his own recording projects as well as big bands, percussion ensembles, Samba Bateria’s, and Pan-Afro-Cuban Ensembles. His debut record as a leader, View From Here ft. Ernie Watts, has received outstanding reviews and ample air time around the country. Wheelock is an in-demand clinician and adjudicator at Universities around the Country and has been a guest artist at Ohio State University, Central Michigan University, Friends University, Columbus State University, Washburn, Wichita State, and the University of Illinois. Wheelock currently serves as the Percussion area coordinator at the University of Wyoming where he directs the Wyoming Samba Bateria and Pan-Afro-Latin Drumming group, the UWYO Percussion Ensemble, and the UWYO Jazz Ensemble II. He also teaches applied lessons in jazz, classical, and ‘world’ percussion and is the director of the UWYO Percussion Festival. |
Wheelock accepted the Percussion Area Coordinator position at the University of Wyoming in 2018. Since starting at UWYO, Wheelock has greatly expanded percussion in the department as well as the state through outreach and interdisciplinary projects, including hosting the annual Wyoming Day of Percussion. Under Wheelock's direction, the UWYO Percussion studio is developing into a nationally recognized studio that focuses on developing musicians and educators that are bullet proof in their fundamentals, innovative in their musical approach, and well versed in the styles and technologies required of tomorrows artists.
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"My teaching philosophy is based on the pedagogical theory of progressivism; in that I believe students’ interests must be a driving force of their learning experience. Once a student truly understands their interests and goals, I believe passion follows. Once the 'fire' has been lit, I strive to inspire my students to find new limits within themselves and encourage them to explore and develop their own unique musicality. I do this by emphasizing strong fundamental techniques as well as honest and specific self-assessment. Music as an art and industry, is constantly changing and I believe that understanding this is key to providing students with a viable musical education. I try to expose my students to as many musical styles, experiences, practices, and theories as possible in an effort to prepare them for such an industry."
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