What people are saying.

  • "I have watched Andrew develop into an outstanding educator, reflective with a growth mindset of continuous improvement of his craft. He creates learner-centered spaces where students feel a sense of community and a sense of responsibility to the larger ensemble of musicians. Andrew empowers students to take ownership of their learning by creating lesson structures that move the students into smaller groups where they are encouraged to be leaders and peer mentors to support each other. Andrew challenges himself to pursue deeper understandings...and puts new and innovative strategies into practice. I have observed him inspiring students in classroom settings, conducting beautiful band performances, and have worked with him as a collaborative colleague in various professional development settings. Andrew demonstrates through his actions his commitment ot promoting a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and creativity among students and colleagues."

    Dr. Jennifer Roth, Principal, Fort Collins High School | Poudre School District

  • "I was impressed by Andrew's perspective on empowering students in music ensembles, and also by his presentation style, which modeled the concepts he was presenting. This speaks to his ability to lead in an educational setting; so much of educational leadership hinges on the ability to know what needs to be communicated and how to effectively convey important points through modeling of best practices. For this reason, I can imagine Andrew as a successful administrator in the future."

    Dr. Melissa Flail, Performing Arts Curriculum Facilitator, Poudre School District

  • "Mr. Dutch consistently demonstrated a very strong work ethic and his academic performance in the class was in the top %1. He is an excellent writer, a critical thinker, and a natural public speaker. Above all, he is a true collaborator in every sense of the word."

    Dr. Margarita Bianco, Associate Professor of Educational Foundations, University of Colorado Denver, Founder of Pathways2Teaching

  • "Andrew is, by far, the best young teacher I have ever worked with. He does not struggle with the same issues that most teachers his age face. Instead, Andrew is always focused on how to provide the best possible experience for his students."

    — Mr. John G. Hermanson, Director of Orchestras and Co-Department Chair, Fort Collins High School

  • “His focus, high attention to detail, and professionalism help him to achieve a high level of success in all that he does…. He is bright, articulate, has a wonderful sense of joy and humor, and is well respected by his peers. Truly, this young man’s star is on the rise.”

    — Dr. T André Feagin, Director of Bands and Professor of Music, Central Washington University

  • “Andrew is ‘beyond his years’; he possesses more maturity and initiative than almost any student I have ever worked with. Not only is Andrew a natural born leader, but he is a leader who is enthusiastic, well-organized, and visionary. His ability to connect with the children in a genuine way is exceptional… He is a ‘kid magnet’ but one who is able to keep classes orderly and structured.”

    — Dr. Bonnie Jacobi, Associate Professor of Music Education (Elementary), Colorado State University

  • “Witnessing Andrew’s ability to inspire children to achieve a comprehensive understanding of music not only highlights his comprehensive philosophy of music education, but also his belief that people come first. Andrew’s emphatic belief that creativity and personal self-worth should be cultivated in every child is one of the finer points of how he thrived…”

    — Dr. Erik Johnson, Associate Professor of Music Education (Instrumental), Colorado State University

  • “Mr. Dutch is a fine educator who guides all of his students with a fire of inner-expression and a foundation of love and light.. He has unshaking loyalty to all music professions and the invaluable benefits they bring to our society, but he is even more loyal to the growth and triumph of the individuals in future generations who are lucky enough to experience his mentorship. What I find most inspiring about Mr. Dutch is his relentless approach to artistry and how it can precipitate individuality while also embracing communities abroad.”

    — Mr. Sebastian Adams, Director of Bands, Timberline PK-8

  • “I have had the pleasure of observing his classes on multiple occasions, and whether I watch him, I get the sense that I am watching a teacher with 15 years of experience. He has complete control of the classroom, and his students are enamored with everything he says. His students love having him as their teacher, and they genuinely appreciate him as a person.”

    — Mr. John G. Hermanson, Director of Orchestras and Co-Department Chair, Fort Collins High School