Andreas Preponis

Born and raised in Southern Germany, Andreas started his musical education at the age of five, learning to play the piano and later mandolin, guitar and drums. Being a drummer and pianist in several school big bands and orchestras throughout high school, it was clear to him that he’d audition to get into a Music University. So, after taking up voice lessons, learning how to play the marimba and vibraphone and serving his country as a toad escort for about one year (don't ask...), he made it into the music education program as a classical percussion major. For the next eight years Andreas studied at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen, Germany (the hometown of the harmonica brand HOHNER). He finished his music ed studies, not only as a percussion major but also as a classical voice major and earned himself an additional degree in vocal jazz performance.

Besides his studies Andreas played and sang in endless bands, ensembles and orchestras of all kinds of music, from progressive rock to classical oratorium, and from jazz to percussion comedy. Over the years he also successfully established himself as a musical theatre actor and became a member of the southern German theatre company ENSEMBLE RIFIFI. He most recently performed the male lead role in the original musical "9 1/2 Knochen".

Since 2003 Andreas is a member of the vocal jazz quintet DOWN 4 THE COUNT which released their debut album „Down 4 the Count“ in early 2008 and won first place at the San Diego A Capella Festival 2009. www.down4thecount.com

Andreas arranged music for all kinds of genres like percussion music, Jazz, Funk and Pop for his former 15-piece cover band L.A.T. and stage music for ENSEMBLE RIFIFI. Lately, his main focus has been on vocal music. Andreas arranges for DOWN 4 THE COUNT and the SMC JAZZ SINGERS. Just recently he was comissioned to arrange pop music for women's choir and symphony orchestra for the ZOFF VOICES and the SOUTHWEST GERMAN PHILARMONIC CONSTANCE.

Besides his work as a performer and arranger Andreas teaches voice, piano and drum lessons at PREMIER MUSIC. Further, Andreas plays piano and percussion for the Jazz Singers at Santa Monica College and is a faculty member at Pasadena City College. He also is a voice over talent for German, one of three languages he speaks fluently.