Jazz. Funk. Reggae. Salsa, Rock. Classical

In addition to his warm tone and disciplined expression, it is Andy Kleindienst’s versatility on the trombone that is most notable. From jazz to classical, latin to funk, folk to slash metal, he has played it all. Through constant study and transcription of all genres of music, Andy is always in search of new ideas, great sounds, and the challenge of making quality music.

A North Carolina native, Andy began his study of music at the age of eleven under the guidance of his middle school band director, Randy Guptil. Following in the footsteps of his sister, he continued his musical studies with David Robinson at C.E. Jordan High School where he was first introduced to jazz. During this time he met some of the most talented and gifted musicians in the Raleigh/Durham area and quickly began to develop a unique and passionate sound on the horn.

Andy matriculated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from which he graduated in December of 2006 with a Bachelor of Music. At the university he studied jazz and classical trombone under Mike Kris and had the privilege of working with such inspiring visiting artists as Conrad Herwig, Wycliffe Gordon, Slide Hampton, Marcus Roberts, Jason Marsalis, Ray Vega, Vincent Gardner, Sean Jones, Don Braden, Barry Harris, and many others. Andy’s ensemble experience includes the UNC Symphony Orchestra, lead trombone in the jazz band, trombone and arranging for the jazz combo program, trombone and arranging for Charanga Carolina, and bass trombone in the UNC Wind Ensemble. As a member of the UNC Jazz Band, under the direction of Jim Ketch, Andy was the recipient of both the Ron and Marylin Toelle Jazz Education Award and the Fred and Gail Fearing Jazz Excellence Award.

It was at UNC that Andy first discovered Latin music which quickly became a passion of his. He joined Charanga Carolina, led by Prof. David Garcia, where he quickly developed an interest in salsa music and was exposed to the local salsa scene. Using Charanga as a launching pad, Andy began to work with local groups such as Color Latino, gaining professional experience and continuing to network with more regional players. Andy is currently member of Sajaso and Orquestra Gardel, for which he has written several arrangements.

Andy’s professional experience includes a variety of genres and groups such as Grupo Sajaso, Orquestra Gardel, Tito Gomez, Freddy Morales, Papa Grows Funk, Ivan Neville, Mr. Coffee and the Creamers, Thought Process, and a multitude of studio sessions.

Andy has also been teaching private trombone lessons for over a year and a half to local students. He is also a proficient arranger and is experienced with music publishing software