Joseph Andrews

I was born and raised in Longmont, Colorado.  My jazz journey started in 6th grade when I first heard my school jazz band.  I had never heard jazz but knew immediately that was my kind of music.  The band teacher loaned me a tenor saxophone, I taught myself how to play, and it has become my passion. 

I am a student at Niwot High School where I am first tenor in the school's advanced jazz band.  I was also fortunate to be part of the Colorado All State Jazz Band this year.  

I have had some fantastic teachers and mentors along the way.  I am currently studying with Charles Blenzig, a jazz pianist who taught at the Suny Purchase Conservatory in New York for many years, and I study with Adam Gang who is a professor of saxophone and jazz improvisation and composition at the Lamont School of Music in Denver.    

Beyond school band and music studies, I am involved with the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts (CCJA) where I play in combo groups and attend their summer jazz camps.  I am always looking for opportunities to play and regularly attend jazz jam sessions in the area.

I also have my own band that includes myself, a drummer, bassist, and pianist.  We are all similarly talented and enjoy playing for audiences of any size.  We have played at events ranging from intimate house parties to large venues with several hundred attendees.  

I love being on stage and am frequently invited to play with professional musicians like Charles Blenzig and his band, Simple Math.   I have appeared at The Dazzle in the Denver Center for Performing Arts, The Muse Performance Space in Lafayette, E-Town in Boulder, and other venues along the front range.

This summer, I am focused on developing my skills and meeting other musicians who share my passion.  I will be attending the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Band Camp, the CCJA Jazz in the Sangres camp in Westcliff, CO, and the Global Jazz Workshop in Austin, TX hosted by Chad LB.

I know my future is in music so I have started to think about where I might want to apply for college.  In the meantime, I will just keep playing!  The journey continues . . .