Andrew S. Allen (Drew) is an active composer, performer, conductor, programmer, researcher and instrument builder. His most recent interests reside in stage works that incorporate non-conventional notation, improvisation, dynamic electronic elements and unique musical instruments and performance practice. His aesthetic is based on an upbringing in rural South Carolina, his interests in computers and video games, and his readings (and interpretations) of Taoist writers and other spiritual absurdists.

My name's Drew and I'm a musician of the renaissance-man variety. I'm simutaneoulsy active as a composer, performer, conductor, programmer, researcher and instrument builder. I've been recently interested in composing stage works that incorporate non-conventional notation, improvisation, dynamic electronic elements and unique musical instruments and performance practice. My aesthetic is based on my upbringing in rural South Carolina, my continual interests in computers and video games, and my interpretative readings of Chuang-Tzu, John Cage, the Dadaists, the Fluxusists, and other absurdist-infused spiritual writers.

I have worked with various performers and collaborators from time to time. I recently set the poetry of David Bottoms and have collaborated on new works with soprano Tiffany DuMouchelle, percussionist Steve Solook and bassist Scott Worthington. I worked together with computer musician Mike Gao and clarinetist/vocal performer Curt Miller in the creation of a new stage work for narrator and stenographer. I am also regularly commissioned by soloists and ensembles with whom I enjoy working together with to create new works of arts. Recent commissioners include: Aurora Borealis, The Fracas Quartet, pianist Stephanie Titus, percussionist Chris Clarino and The Volta Trio.

As a performer, I enjoy a regular opportunity to perform new and used-to-be-new works that involve tuba, voice, laptop, or action (performance art). I play with the free improvisation group Pacifighost and the new music ensemble Palimpsest, who recently performed a menagerie of the works of Varese under the baton of Steve Schick. As a software developer, I have engineered software for dynamic electronic musical improvisation and software to read scores from laptops as well as tools to assist algorithmic composition. As a researcher, I have looked at tuning theory and traditional Japanese music. As an instrument builder, I have designed a built a 6-stone set of bianquing (large hanging stone chimes) and a 45-string microtonal harp of my own tuning system.

My music has recieved occaissional recognition from various institutions; including BMI (2010 BMI Student Composer Award), Austin Peay State University (2009 Young Composer Award), and Eastman (2009 Howard Hanson Large Ensemble Prize, 2008 Anthony & Carolyn Donato Prize, etc.). My music has been published by PAS MassBach (Rats for xylophone) and UC Berkeley Music Library (Reflections of a Lowcountry Marshland for carillon). I have also recieved many grants and scholarships to provide me with the financial support to complete my various academic and professional projects. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Composition from the University of California: San Diego (UCSD) and received my MA in Composition from the Eastman School of Music and my BM in Composition from the University of South Carolina (USC).