Meet Andrew Dahlke | Saxophonist, Professor of Music

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Dahlke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was mesmerized by the saxophone at a young age. My parents saw my passion and supported it. I had a lot of success and recognition as a young person in music in and outside of school. My high school had an excellent music director and program. I won a full scholarship at Interlochen National Music camp in Northern Michigan to attend the University of Michigan for music. Detroit and the state of Michigan had many great educational resources for a young developing musician. I was able to take advantage of great teachers and mentors in the professional community. This tremendous experience catapulted me into a career in the field.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Currently, I am interested in where the complexity of composed music and improvisation meet, in both recorded and live performance/realization, and the musicians that work and create in this space. My music draws on my exposure to the world and its diverse cultures, music, and experience, including Western European Classical music, jazz, East Asian, Latin, and American folk musics and dance. For me, my spirituality is directly connected to my creativity and each feeds the other, this is how I’ve been able to grow and achieve success in performance and as a teacher. It is important to have a vision for yourself and what you want to accomplish, and work toward that. I view following your dreams and vision as the same thing. Write it down and the steps you need to take and revisit and reassess often. I think successful music-making is a powerful medium for communicating beauty and the awareness of something greater.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike in at least 3 or 4 miles. Then have a meal in Estes Park at Nepal’s Cafe. H Mart Korean Market in Aurora or Thornton for great shopping and lunch at the J and Y cafe in Aurora for Korean Style Chinese Food. I’d probably take them to the Boulder Chatauqua park for a hike and picnic by the Flatirons. I’d also take them sailing on Carter Lake or Horsetooth Reservoir.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Most of all my success is due to my parents.

Website: www.andrewdahlke.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahlke.andrew/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdahlke/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andy.dahlke.9

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8OlWeTCxQGocfL3guG62ng

Other: www.dahlkemouthpieces.com

Image Credits
Barry Bailey