Meet Andrew Nevala | Educator/Musician/Bandleader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Nevala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, what principle do you value most?
Integrity. If you have integrity, you also know what it is to be honest, have a strong backbone, and can be trusted when the times get tough. You know what it is to “Do the right thing”. When I see that in people, or their business, I know I can trust them to do the job.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was drawn to the piano at a very young age. Once I realized I was never going to be a John Smoltz, Tom Glavine or even Dale Murphy, I started taking music seriously. I had many great mentors and teachers, first from Boise State University, then to the University of Northern Colorado, and finally the University of Colorado, Boulder. Those experiences provided me with a solid background in music, many great musical experiences, and a drive to keep learning and moving forward.

I toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra for a few years, but I’m most proud of my current Quartet. We just completed our first European Tour, are completing our CD, and have many great things coming up, in the US and abroad.

I’m also proud of the Jazz Program at Jacksonville State University. When I arrived in 2011 there were 2 Big Bands and 2 Combos. Now we have 4 Big Bands, 6 Combos, a Latin Ensemble, a Jazz Performance Degree, an annual Jazz Festival, and have won Downbeat Magazine Student Awards in 2015 and 2023. The growth of the program has been exciting and rewarding! The things I learned while in school, both int he classroom and observing the folks in charge, turned out to be helpful in running a program. Imagine that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to hear music! The Eclipse Di Lunas are great for listening to world music – Salsa, Flamenco, Brazilian, and Latin Jazz. I also love visiting the Botanical Gardens and Piedmont Park. There are also many great Art Museums and shopping areas. When Atlanta gets a dedicated Jazz Club, that will be the place to go, so fingers crossed that happens soon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success comes from my parents, who put me in the right situations (music lessons, sports) for me to learn, often the hard way. They sacrificed so I could have experiences that shaped me into what I am today. I also have had great teachers and mentors along the way at the different stages of my career, both in education and as a professional. I try to teach my students the same principles those people taught me – pass the knowledge on to the next generation.

Website: https://andynevalamusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andynevalamusicllc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-nevala-2207533b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094722460068

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andynevala4243