Andrew Downing (he/him)

Music, for me, has always been about connection. Connecting with other musicians, connecting with an audience, and even connecting with the inexplicable feeling that combinations of notes and rhythms provide, both as a performer and a listener.

It started for me as a child. I participated in a Suzuki String program that encouraged playing music together with a bunch of others in a big room once a week, which gave a feeling of togetherness that I still cherish and continue to look for to this day. It prompted me to dip my toes into many different musical pools, each of which always included making music with other people and each of which always included finding a way to play music for others.

Now, as an arranger and composer of music, I also look for connection. The greatest moments I have had as a musician have been when my work is understood by the performers, played with love and ownership, and emotionally connects to the listeners. There have been moments when time has stopped and I can't imagine being anywhere else - those are the moments of real connection.

Confluence Concerts allows me to find those moments. It is a warm and welcoming group of collaborators with a warm and welcoming audience who are open to connection and open to sharing in those great moments.

Kate PeerAndrew Downing