Andrew returns to percussion instruction after taking time off to build a house in Chaplin, CT.  He has marched and instructed with ensembles from USSBA, DCI, DCA, and WGI.  Andrew credits his experiences marching DCI with providing him a work ethic, percussion experience, discipline, perseverance, and an attitude that stresses teamwork and humility, all to an extent that is difficult to get out of any other activity.  Andrew hopes his students get as much out of the activity has he has gotten.   
Andrew’s teaching philosophy hinges on a few maxims.  First, maximize potential.  Second, the 3 A’s- attitude, attendance, ability.  A student’s attitude is most important, followed closely by attendance.  Ability is great to have, but is no help to the team if the student has a poor attitude or if the student is not even present.  Third, the Practice Pyramid.  At the top of the pyramid is the small amount of time spent performing.  The second level of the pyramid is the time spent in rehearsal.  And the base of the pyramid is the time spent practicing outside of rehearsal.  A pyramid is impossible to knock over because it has such a wide, solid foundation.  Far too often, students don’t put in the time on their own to build that solid foundation, so their pyramid looks more like a diamond shape, which can easily tumble.  When you get to performance time, if you are at the top of a pyramid, you will easily execute your show.  If you are at the top of a diamond, you can expect to tumble.  Lastly, Andrew believes that you don’t get good during the season; you get good in the off-season.  It is essential to focus on fundamentals and education over the winter because during the season, there is not time to become better, only time to get cleaner.  
Finally, Andrew is grateful for the opportunity to work with this ensemble and looks forward to helping make 7th Regiment the premier percussion ensemble in Connecticut.