Born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Andrew began his formal music training studying under Frank Mazzeo, Principal Clarinetist of The Walnut Street Theatre and nationally acclaimed composer Bruce Yurko. Andrew earned his Bachelors Degree in Music Education and Performance from The Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. During his time, he studied under Anthony Pasquale, Principal Clarinetist of the Manhattan Chamber Symphony. Andrew subsequently earned his Masters Degree in Music Performance at The University of Maryland, studying under National Symphony Orchestra Principal Clarinetist Loren Kitt.
As a clarinetist, Andrew has performed as Principal Clarinet and E-flat Clarinetist with the Rutgers University Wind Ensemble, Rutgers University Symphony Orchestra, The University of Maryland Wind Ensemble, University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra, the Symphony in C (formerly the Haddonfield Symphony), and the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble. He made his Carnegie Hall debut performing with the National University Wind Ensemble in 2002, and has performed abroad in Puerto Rico and Aruba. He has worked with artists such as Osmo Vanska, Faith Esham, H. Robert Reynolds, Eugene Corporon, and Ray Charles. Andrew is a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), MENC: The National Organization for Music Education, SJBODA (South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association), the International Clarinet Association, and is a founding member of the New Jersey Young Composers Competition. He currently serves as Principal Clarinetist of the Philadelphia Wind Symphony under the direction of Dr. Virginia Allen.
As a composer, Andrew has had his works premiered by some of the finest university and professional ensembles in the nation. His first work for Wind Ensemble, The Labyrinth, was premiered by the Rutgers University Wind Ensemble in 2002, and recorded by the Rowan University Wind Ensemble in 2008. He is currently published by companies including Music Propria, Grand Mesa Music, and Kjos. Andrew’s scores have been described as intense, evocative, and unique, using a variety of techniques and influences from traditional orchestral and chamber music to music of popular and world cultures. “As a composer, I believe that the purpose of music is to educate, entertain, and enlighten. It is always my intention to achieve that goal with every piece I write.”
Andrew’s skills as an educator have been described as “unsurpassed”, “inspiring”, and “gifted.” Formerly the Music Director at Lindenwold High School, Andrew spearheaded a five-tiered music program, teaching Concert Band, Choir, Jazz Band, Music Theory, and Marching Band. Under his direction, Andrew’s students have performed in numerous festivals, competitions, and community events, ultimately being honored with the U.S. Marine Corps Award in 2008 for “professionalism, patriotism, and pride.” His students have performed with the Rowan University Wind Ensemble, All South Jersey and Olympic Conference Honors Bands, and at the NJPAC Center for the NJ Shouts Down Drugs! Songwriting Competition. In 2009, Andrew served as conductor of the All South Jersey Jr. High Honors Band, and has traveled to various music programs in the South Jersey area, providing assistance for music educators teaching Kindergarten through12th Grade. He also teaches clarinet and saxophone privately, and is available at andrew.lesser@yahoo.com for more information. Andrew currently serves as the Music Director of the Wilbur Watts Intermediate School in the Burlington City School District at Burlington, New Jersey.
Andrew currently resides in Moorestown, New Jersey.