A native of Lafayette, Louisiana, Darrel Andrews began his music studies on the Bb Trumpet as a junior in high school. During those days, music was not a part of the curriculum and there was no band room. Instruction and practice were sometimes done outside after hours, weather permitting, under large oak trees. Before attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Andrews thought in terms of majoring in carpentry like two older brothers had done before him, but decided to try music instead. He had been doing carpentry work with his father since he was twelve years old, and figured he could fall back on his carpentry experience if the music didn't work out. After graduating from Southern University with a B. S. degree in Music Education, Andrews started the band program at Carroll High School in Monroe, Louisiana. Where he remained until retirement in 1979. During the 70's, singer Ray Charles sponsored a recording session of seven of Andrews' tunes, and two tunes were recorded by Bobby "Blue" Bland. Later, Andrews received a Masters Degree in music from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Il. During his 28 years as Band Director he wrote many original compositions which were used for half-time shows. He also supplied music for a drama entitled "Attica 7" dealing with prison reform, which was presented on the campus of Northeast Louisiana University. After moving to Shreveport, LA in 1980, Andrews began to write and produce music jingles for commercials. He then concentrated on producing TV theme music which has not been exploited. In 1988 he was invited to one of the rehearsals of the "Inter-City Row Modern Dance Company", whose director was Mr. Luther Cox, Jr. This dance group had previously presented a work entitled "Requiem Before Revival" using other music but became interested in commissioning a longer work from Andrews. Andrews accepted the challenge and developed a musical concept about 12 minutes long. "Requiem & Revival" attempts to portray the struggles and trials of a people, and the celebration of victory over these struggles. The main theme was developed on the spot as he observed the dance troupe going through their routines. The composition was first presented to the public by the company in October 1988, and in 1990, it had its world orchestral premiere performance by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra with Peter Leonard conducting. "Requiem & Revival" was later arranged and performed by the Shreveport Metropolitan Concert Band with Andrews conducting. On March 8, 1997 "Requiem & Revival" was performed by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra of Lafayette, LA with Xiao-Lu-Li conducting. While trying to get other area orchestras to perform the work, Andrews contacted Mr. Leonard Kacenjar, conductor of the Marshall Symphony Orchestra. Rather than performing "Requiem", Kacenjar asked Andrews to write something new for the upcoming anniversary celebration of the Marshall Symphony Society. This resulted in the creation of "Behold The Fowls Of The Air", taken directly from the Holy Bible. Since his retirement, Andrews has become a registered member of the Piano Technicians Guild, Inc., a member of the Southern Songwriter's Guild, and a Resident Artist in Music Composition with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Darrel Andrews 2222 West Algonquin Trail Shreveport, LA 71107-5410 Tel: (318) 221-5393 Fax: (318) 221-0105 Email: DarrAndre3@aol.com