Andy Classen

Andrew Classen is associate professor of trumpet and jazz studies at Drake University, a position he has held since 1992. During this time, The Drake Jazz Ensemble I has developed an international reputation, touring Europe three times with performances at the Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals. Regional accolades include taking first place at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Jazz Festival five times. Drake Jazz I has released four favorably reviewed CD’s.
Mr. Classen has a wide variety of performance experience, including principal trumpet with the Cedar Rapid, numerous big bands and small jazz groups, as well as other varied artists including T.S. Monk, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, the Temptations, Fifth Dimensions and the Moody Blues. He has performed for the Broadway road productions of Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Grease, 42nd Street, Chicago, Evita and The Full Monty among others. His principal trumpet teachers were Robert Baca, Vincent Cichowicz of Northwestern University and William Adam of Indiana University.
His jazz compositions are published through C.L. Barnhouse Company.