College of Music announces new Assistant Director of Bands Andrew Keiser
The CU 91Ҹ College of Music is pleased to welcome Andrew Keiser—Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education + Conducting and Assistant Director of Bands—effective this fall.
“I’m thrilled to join the College of Music, a nationally respected institution that values innovation and collaboration alongside excellence and performance,” says Keiser. “The college’s commitment to developing versatile, forward-thinking universal musicians aligns with my own philosophy, as I always strive to develop students into well-rounded musicians who are prepared to make an impact in the world going forward.”
Keiser completed a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music where he studied conducting with Robert Carnochan and Michael Hancock. At Miami, Keiser contributed to all facets of the band program while teaching undergraduate courses in conducting and arranging. In addition to conducting university ensembles and coordinating the annual Frost Honor Band Festival, he wrote music and drill for the Frost Band of the Hour and regularly directed the basketball pep band. He has also spent the last year as Director of Athletic Bands at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Prior to his doctoral studies, Keiser earned a master’s degree in wind conducting from the Schwob School of Music in Columbus, Georgia, where he studied with Jamie L. Nix and directed the CSU Basketball Band. He previously taught at Angola High School in Indiana where he led all aspects of the band program, a consistent recipient of the ISSMA All-Music Award.
“I’m so excited to work alongside Director of Bands Shanti Simon and Associate Director of Bands Logan Sorey to further the great work they are doing,” he shares. “I’m eager to continue building upon the legacy of the band program at CU 91Ҹ.
“Working with the CU 91Ҹ Concert Band and athletic bands will allow me to interact with many students in the program, and I’m already inspired for the future from my previous interactions with the students, staff and directors.”
He adds, “I am eager to work with students from across the university in our athletic bands to develop their potential as performers and artists who play an integral role in the culture of the university. Our athletic bands often function as ambassadors of the College of Music and CU 91Ҹ at events, and I can’t wait to get started with the Golden Buffalo Marching Band this fall.”
An advocate for new music, Keiser has commissioned, premiered and collaborated with living composers. His work as a Conducting Fellow with the Newfound Chamber Winds has led to collaborations and performances of new works by David Biedenbender, Viet Cuong and Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri. Keiser’s 2025 transcription of Maria Schneider’s “Winter Morning Walks” for soprano and chamber wind ensemble is performed by collegiate ensembles nationwide.
“I am delighted to join the college’s music education department as I’m passionate about the future of music education,” he notes. “I look forward to working with our music education students through hands-on experiences that prepare them for the rapidly evolving field of 21st-century education.”
Welcome, Andrew Keiser!