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Interview Feature: Dr. Andrea Brown


Dr. Andrea E. Brown is a member of the conducting faculty at the University of Michigan serving as the Assistant Director of Bands. In this position, Associate Director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, Director of the Men’s Basketball Band, she is the conductor of the Campus Bands, guest conductor with the Symphony Band, Symphony Band Chamber Winds, and Concert Band, teaches conducting, and researches the application of developing technologies for conducting pedagogy. Previously Brown was the Director of Orchestra and Assistant Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta where she also lead research in conducting pedagogy technology and was a member of the their Oxford Program faculty (from the MMB page).

Q :Who is your favorite music artist right now and why?

Oh, wow . . . that's a tough one . . . it changes a lot, but I would say Leon Bridges at the moment

Q: How did you come up with the idea for the Maestro project?

A: It was a very fortunate collision of a growing awareness of the possibilities of music technology while at Georgia Tech and my passion for improving conducting pedagogy

Q: What is your favorite breakfast food?

A: My favorite is Count Chocula cereal w/ milk, but I usually have a protein smoothie

Q: How has your relationship with Lambda impacted your experience at Michigan?

A: I have enjoyed watching Lambda grow both in numbers and in the range of services they offer to the band program as well as the experience that they offer their members. I love seeing the sisters form friendships that I know that they will have all of their lives.

Q: What inspires you?

A: Students inspire me - every day. Watching a student "get it" - whatever that "it" may be for them. Watching young women become empowered with small steps and huge leaps.

Q: What book are you currently reading/what’s your favorite book?

A: Current: The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish / favorite: Charlotte's Web by EB White

Q: What is it like to be a woman in music?

A: Very challenging at times - we have a long way to go to increase awareness of issues much less equality in the world of music (along with many other fields), but it is always rewarding!

Q: What is your favorite way to relax and de-stress?

A: Walk with Applesauce, reading, or some Netflix-binging

Q: What advice would you give to young people, especially young girls, who are pursuing music as a career?

A: Be ok with asking for help, lift up others along the way, and always remember that you have WAY more strength and ability than you realize

Q: And lastly, What is your secret to having such luxurious hair?

A: Good hair genes (thanks, parents!) & Aveda products


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