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Andrew J. Shelden Andrew J. Shelden is a classically trained, jazz-influenced pianist, organist and composer. He also plays double bass, percussion, tin whistles and bagpipes. He began serving as organist for local churches at the age of twelve. Andrew studied music at the College of the Siskiyous and at the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music before completing his Bachelor of the Arts at Southern Oregon University. Andrew has been guest organist in churches from Ventura to Seattle and as far east as Denver and has played by invitation at the Governor's Mansion in Sacramento, CA. He has toured northern Europe, performing in Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Russia.
Andrew has been composing music since before he could play. His compositions range from jazz and new age arrangements of Christmas carols and other piano solos to full orchestral pieces in Classical, Romantic and Baroque modes, as well as his own blend of Neo-Classical, Jazz and 20th Century styles. Andrew's work includes organ concert pieces, a choral cantata, a piano concerto, a Concerto for Irish Pennywhistle and Chamber Orchestra, and a suite for flute and piano, in addition to dozens of pieces for solo piano and Celtic-flavored pieces. Andrew serves as organist at Yreka United Methodist Church and is Staff Accompanist at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, CA, where he also teaches Advanced Ear Training and Computerized Music Notation and has taught both basic and advanced Music Theory. Shelden is available to students for private lessons in Bass, Percussion and Organ at College of the Siskiyous.
In addition to his performing credits, the artist has recorded and produced a professional CD, entitled "On Christmas Night." The CD is a reflection of the spirit of Shelden's ongoing "Jingle Most of the Way" concert series, with 12 traditional holiday tunes receiving Shelden's light-jazz/New Age solo piano treatment. Largely improvisational in sound and feeling, Shelden's music has been described as a cross between "George Winston and Mannheim Steamroller." Also a dab hand at arranging, Shelden's compositions and arrangements have found their way into the libraries at COS and a number of churches.
Beyond the music, Shelden is also a published writer. His written works include articles, short stories, poetry, two novellas, novels and a full-length memoir of his tour of the Baltic which is under consideration for publication.
Shelden's full bio, concert details and recordings - including sound samples can be found on the internet at www.cdbaby.com/cd/shelden or by going to www.cdstreet.com and making a search by artist name.
What the papers have said about Andrew and his performances:
"emotionally charged....incredible depth and breadth of tone and color... ...subtleties and power.......substantial classical chops and...a heaping helping of jazz and improvisational skills. The result is a blending of classical and jazz elements for interesting arrangements, complete with a wink and a smile....an improvisatory ride."
Siskiyou Daily News
"...haunting...sentimental....fiery...original...fun....delightful selections....a real crowd pleaser...."
Pioneer Press
".... accomplished...."
Medford Mail Tribune
"..free and open....Shelden's arrangements evoke a diverse range of tone, texture and emotion. ...rollicking...haunting...a delight to the ear."
Mt. Shasta Herald
For more information, contact Andy Shelden at (530) 841-0174 or email to: mads@sisqtel.net
Andy's work is featured on the Art Giving Heart DVD video, produced by SAC in 2004.