Westview’s official accompanist for the Musical Theatre class Andrew Reynolds played the piano for the very first time at the age of six; a simple action that would become his lifelong pursuit. He was always drawn to the musical instrument, but his love was also born out of a childish feud.
“I started playing because I have a brother who is three years older [than me] who is amazing at piano,” Reynolds said. “I was genuinely interested, but honestly, there was a little bit of sibling rivalry.”
When Reynolds began his first lesson, though, his previous motives were completely forgotten, his curiosity and thirst for the music word overwhelming him. From that point, piano became a constant in his life. As he became more proficient in reading and playing music, he began to connect to the music in different ways.
“I think the first time that I played a piece that I really emotionally connected with was in middle school,” Reynolds said. “It was Raindrop Prelude by Chopin. Something just clicked in me.”
Reynolds’ passion blossomed rapidly from here. Piano was his just starting point. This transformed into different fields of music as he joined musical theater and choir in his elementary and middle school years. He first experienced being a piano accompanist as an elementary schooler for his choir class.
“Being piano accompanist is pretty straightforward: I just play the piano accompanying part alongside the piece which the students are singing,” he said. “It was a good combination of singing and playing the piano for me, so I really enjoyed it!”
During his early adulthood, he didn’t end up pursuing music as his career, instead going into zoology.
“There were several years where I really wasn’t doing anything music related,” Reynolds said. “But, piano and music was still always in the background for me. While I was doing that, I did musical theater, other non-profit musical organizations on the side. I also taught piano during this time.”
His passion was set aside for many years. But as he was immersed in music constantly, Reynolds slowly transitioned into making it his career.
Reynolds applied for an accompanist position at Westview in 2015, which he has held for eight years: first in Choir and now in Musical Theatre. Due to his extensive background in the field, Reynolds thrived. But, there were still some more challenging parts of the job.
“Usually, I get the pieces ahead of time, but sometimes, the sheet music comes the day of and I have to be able to sight read on the spot, “Reynolds said. “You also have to play open score, which is like several different scores at the same time.”
Working as an assistant vocal coach as well, Reynolds is elated that he is able to work with students full time. And, with the new Musical Theatre class, Reynolds had the perfect mix of his interests: singing, theater, and piano.
Reynolds said that the class is very caring and encouraging.
“Our students are just so great,” he said. “They are so open to feedback and are really passionate about choir and now the musical theater program. I feel like there is just so much interest and support here, both from the teachers and the students, and I think this class gives students a break from the academic pressures they face.”
Reynolds couldn’t be happier with this position he has now.
“Just being able to be an accompanist at Westview has allowed me to teach and play the piano all the time,” he said. “You don’t really get this with other jobs in music and I feel like I’m getting this gratification all the time. The class, the students— everything is just so much fun.”
