The Composer

Andrew Findley is a 21 year old electronic and classical composer based in Denver with his cat, Bee. He enjoys building expressive themes and dreamy landscapes in his writing where his influences vary from progressive metal to IDM. As a performer Findley plays with local groups ranging from funk, to alternative, to grunge. He is an expressive, multi-talented musician who primarily focuses on drum set. Aside from his life in music, he loves camping, hiking, building, baking, and hanging out with friends and family.

Findley met Andrew Dutch in the 7th grade at Century Middle School where they became fast friends. Attending Thornton High School together, they became inseparable both in music and in friendship. Together, they raised the bar of musicianship in school with Findley premiering works with the band and Dutch leading locally acclaimed chamber groups. Their paths diverged post-high school where Dutch went on to pursue a degree in Music Education at Colorado State University, and Findley delved into the local, Denver music scene becoming a successful performer and composer in his own right. While they both have taken different paths, they still like to reconnect for occasional jam sessions and hikes to continue their lifelong bond of friendship.

The Piece

Originally composed in 2016, this work was written as a testament to the bond of two best friends. Growing up together at Thornton High School, Andrew Findley wrote the work to perform with Andrew Dutch in their collegiate career. It is comprised of a simple, intimate melody with an underlying ostinato pattern in the vibraphone. As the work progresses, it becomes increasingly more intertwined melodically and takes on a greater sonic intensity and pentatonic tonality. Taking inspiration from Debussy, the work is meant to reflect the two sides of a rainstorm: the simplicity and perfection of every drop on its own and the combined force of the totality of the storm. A testament to the two's friendship, whereupon together their ambition, energy, and love for music is magnified. 

Andrew Dutch, after updating it for professional performance, gives this performance in dedication to Andrew Findley and the musical life and inspiration that he has been. It is a 'song for two buddies.'

About John Andretsos

John Andretsos is a third year music education major at Colorado State University, where he studies percussion with Dr. Eric Hollenbeck and Professor Shilo Stroman. John is from Highlands Ranch, Colorado where in fifth grade he started playing the violin under his future orchestra director. He came into the percussion scene in high school through marching band, indoor percussion, and symphonic wind ensembles At CSU John has participated in marching band, wind ensembles, orchestras, and various chamber ensembles. He has also performed at many concerts at CSU, CMEA in Colorado Springs, and PASIC in Indianapolis.

Musical performance all started for John when he was five, dancing at the Denver Greek Festival, and learning to play along his family in the Greek Band Etho Ellas later on. His Greek heritage brings many new and exciting musical opportunities. Ever since early childhood, John knew he wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until high school he pursued music education.

As a student, John works across Colorado learning and experiencing from different music teachers to grow as a future teacher. Using his percussive and string background has proved valuable in exploring the different avenues of music and education. He is excited for his final years at CSU to grow and learn from his professors, colleagues, and friends. Working with students is his passion, and is excited to get out into the field soon!