Andrés (b.1993) (he/him) is a Mexican-American percussionist, improviser, and sound artist whose resolve has been to highlight works that are looking to push the envelope on what music is capable of being. Specializing in compositions that utilize electronics elements such as live processing, playback, and live software, Andrés aims to create immersive listening experiences that feature new music. 

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Andrés has grown up around music all his life spanning from playing in church groups, rock bands, marching ensembles, and concert groups. Moving to Lafayette, Louisiana for his undergraduate degree, Andrés was later exposed to the rich Cajun culture of southern Louisiana along with several musical collaborations as a resident of the Acadiana area. All these experiences have helped Andrés form his own identity as he develops his sound as a performer. 

Andrés believes in creating an equitable setting for all who want to enjoy music, both in the education and performance realm. His belief of taking “the concert out of the concert hall” has led to performances at venues such as contemporary galleries, interdisciplinary art spaces, coffee shops and outdoor common spaces. From an educational perspective, Andrés advocates for increased accessibility to specialized instrument instruction for financially underprivileged music students. Collaborations with local university professors and musicians have resulted in events such as all state masterclasses and high school percussion festivals. 

More recently, Andrés has participated in several music festivals such as the UNT Keyboard Percussion Workshop, Sō Percussion Summer Institute, and the Nief Norf Summer Festival. The latter two being very formative as a performer in regards to what can be sonically possible within the realm of percussion. Andrés also spent the 2022 Drum Corps International season as a sound technician with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. 

Andrés currently holds a B.A. from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in Music Education and a Masters in Music in Percussion Performance from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Andrés is proud to be an educational artist with Innovative Percussion. Andrés currently resides in Austin, Texas and likes to spend his free time with his partner and their pets, watching movies, biking, and works part time as a barista.