John Andres

When I was about four years old my parents bought a record player for me.  They probably never imagined that one day I would be on the radio playing music from a turntable or a CD player on Classical 91.5. In those days there were records that played at 78, 45 or 33 and one third RPM (Revolutions Per Minute).

My first LP (long playing) record featured Victor Herbert’s “March of the Toys” from Babes In Toyland. It has special meaning for me because it was my first classical recording that I owned.

 It happened one day in 9th Grade Choir at East High School.

It was the spring of 1965 and our music teacher Mr. W. had just introduced us to some new music that we would perform later that year.

Mr. W. instructed us to watch him very closely as he demonstrated the fine technique of breathing just before he started to sing the first note. He opened his mouth and let out a big gasp. Mr. W. caught his dentures from falling out!

There were many adults in my life that inspired my musical interest. My parents, Fred and Marie Andres took their 3 year old son to classical concerts at the Eastman Theatre. Sometimes I fell asleep!

During elementary school, Miss Dolan from School # 35 and Miss Beckwith from School # 33 inspired me with the variety of songs taught during class. Miss Dolan insisted that I would sing an Irish lullaby solo on stage in 2nd Grade. That was my last solo! (read more)