Episode 18 - Andrew Hitz

Formerly of the Boston Brass, Andrew Hitz is currently a freelance musician, clinician, podcaster, and speaker. In this episode he joins me for a discussion about tuba and offers his perspective on band, teaching, and the future of music education. Topics: Andrew's background and his new book series The Band Director's Guides Starting beginners on tuba and tips on posture and breathing. Having a characteristic sound for your instrument Thoughts about how music education needs to fight for survival and relevance Managing time and exploring creative opportunities early in a career Links: AndrewHitz.com The Band Director's Guides Pedal Note Media Boston Brass Baltimore Brass Tuba Stand Holst: First Suite in E-Flat Biography: Andrew Hitz is an internationally renowned soloist, clinician and speaker having appeared in over 40 states and 30 countries including Japan, Brazil, Russia and Singapore. In 2014 he ended a 14 year tenure as the tuba player for Boston Brass. Andrew has also appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Alarm Will Sound and the Marine Band of Mexico. As an Educational Ambassador for Jupiter Band Instruments, Andrew has appeared all over the world as both a teacher and performer. He has presented at over 20 state music educator conferences and taught master classes at some of the finest music schools in the world including Juilliard, the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore. Andrew currently hosts two podcasts. "The Brass Junkies" is a podcast interviewing the best brass players in the world. "The Entrepreneurial Musician" features interviews with some of the most successful people in the music business. Andrew is also the author of "A Band Director's Guide To Everything Tuba: A Collection of Interviews with the Experts" which features interviews with Sam Pilafian, Pat Sheridan, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and others. The second volume, "A Band Director's Guide to Everything Trombone: A Collection of Interviews with the Experts", features interviews with Joe Alessi, Harry Watters, Ralph Sauer and others. Andrew is proud to serve on the Board of Directors for the Mockingbird Foundation, a non-profit organization which has awarded over $1 million in grants to help bring music education to underserved populations. Andrew lives in the Washington, DC area with his son Nicholas, his dog Izabella, and his wife Tiffany, who he thinks is the best band director in the country. He has also seen the band Phish 184 times. No, really.