American conductor Andrew Neer, has served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Oakland Choral Society since 2018. He has lived in Metro Detroit for the majority of his life, growing up in Sterling Heights. He is known for his dynamic and expressive conducting style and artistic passion on and off the podium. His greater mission has been to educate and expand appreciation of music and believes that at the heart of everything, music is the soul of America.
He attended Central Michigan University (CMU), studying Composition, Trumpet, and Music Theatre Performance. Following his time at CMU, he obtained two Master of Music degrees in Composition and Conducting, respectively, from Wayne State University, Detroit MI. His composition experience ranges from the art song to film scores. He recently completed a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the University of Michigan in Orchestral Conducting. He is a multi-faceted musician and is at home in front of the chorus and orchestras.
In his time with Oakland Choral Society, he has led landmark performances of Brahms, A German Requiem to Dvorak, Stabat Mater. His vision is vast and is always looking for opportunities to expand the chorus and programs works that challenge and strengthens the core of the ensmeble.
In early 2016, he embarked on an international conducting career, appearing with orchestras in Romania and Bulgaria. He is honored to study with orchestral conductor and mentor Kenneth Kiesler. In addition, Dr. Neer studied choral conducting with Dr. Norah Duncan IV, and the late Dr. Nina Nash-Robertson. He has been a clinician to schools and professional organizations in metropolitan Detroit and welcomes the opportunity to work with the artists of tomorrow.
In addition to Oakland Choral Society, Dr. Neer is honored to serve as the Music Director and Conductor of Orchestra Sono (Bloomfield Hills MI), Warren Symphony Orchestra (Warren MI), and Macomb Symphony Orchestra. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Michigan in Orchestral Conducting and Master of Music degrees in Composition and Conducting from Wayne State University, Detroit MI. He is an active member of ASCAP, The Conductors Guild, League of American Orchestras, American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA), The Society of Composers International, and alumnus to Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He aspires to create transformative musical experiences for performers and audiences alike. Join us, today!