Andrew Mitchell

Doctoral of Musical Arts
University of Michigan (2015)

Orchestral Studies Professional Diploma
Chicago College of Performing Arts (2011)

Master of Music
Florida State University (2009)

Bachelor of Music
Western Michigan University (2006)

Why did you choose to attend WMU?

I had heard many great things about Dr. Wolfinbarger and, at the urging of a really great player, decided to visit for a lesson. I was very impressed with his teaching, so the decision was easy after that lesson. 

What do you consider to be your most important professional achievements to date?

The concerts that I have played with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra have been fantastic. 

What is your fondest memory of your time in the trombone studio (or music program) at WMU?

My fondest memory is not so much of a singular event (and there were many) as it is of the exceptional quality of my average day. A good chunk of my time was spent in the huge practice rooms. Typically, I would come to school early in the morning to find that Dr. Wolfinbarger was already there. His door was almost always open and he was always very inviting and generous with his time. Only in retrospect can I truly appreciate what a great situation I had during these years!

General information

Andrew Mitchell has appeared as a soloist and clinician throughout the United States and Europe. He joined the faculty of Youngstown State University in 2018. Mitchell is a member of Spectrum Brass, and is Second Trombone of the Canton Symphony Orchestra. He frequently performs with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and many other ensembles in his native Metro Detroit, including the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, and the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra. He has previously held positions in the Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Midland Symphony Orchestra, and the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. Mitchell has also performed with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, CityMusic Cleveland, and the orchestras of Kalamazoo, Toledo, Tallahassee, Flint, Akron, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Erie, and Youngstown. Featured solo appearances have included the Big 12 Trombone Conference, the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts (Brno, Czech Republic), the Prague Conservatory, the University of Michigan, and the Ohio Music Education Association Conference (with the Youngstown State University Wind Ensemble). Mitchell has also performed at the International Trombone Festival as a member of the William Cramer Trombone Choir. Summers, he is an Artist-in-Residence at the Bay View Music Festival. Mitchell earned the Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University, the Master of Music degree from Florida State University, the Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan. He was previously Assistant Professor of Trombone at Ball State University.