Andrew Piper has a Master of Music degree from The Canberra School of Music (ANU). Following graduation at the Diploma level in 1993, Andrew accepted a lectureship at the Canberra School of Music that continued until 1998 when he took up a full-time position with TION.
He has worked in the music industry as a writer/arranger and performer in and for many ensembles – both as a vocalist and as a trumpeter.
As a freelance musician for many professional ensembles and bands, Andrew has been on several overseas tours as a performer prior to his involvement with TION. These included trips to Beijing and the Monterey Jazz Festival. As an accomplished composer and arranger, much of Andrew's outstanding vocal writing is featured on The Idea of North's CD recordings.
Andrew provides both a solid underpinning bass line and extraordinary vocal percussion in seamless combination – in reality he adds a fifth 'instrument' to the group. A founding member of TION, Andrew received the 'Best Original Arrangement' award at the group's winning appearance at the 2003 Harmony Sweepstakes final in the USA.
Anagram of your name: Panda Wiper. (Don't ask!)
How did you get into singing? Who or what inspired you to sing? I grew up in Wollongong in a musical family. My mother and father introduced my brother and me to an eclectic mix of music and supported us all the way through our musical education. There was always music in the house. I remember waking up every morning to the sound of my brother practicing his scales on the piano. My main instrument was trumpet but loved making music anyway I could and singing was pretty cheap and portable!
If you weren’t a singer in The Idea of North, what would you be doing? I have always loved behind the scenes in film and TV. In fact, I have worked behind the scenes for a production house and the ABC many years ago. I have even put up the sets for Play School! These days I love to dabble in video editing.
Most embarrassing moment on stage? It’s not that embarrassing compared to some, but there was the time when I took a bow and noticed that I was still wearing my runners! They didn’t go so well with the dinner suit I was wearing!
Any on-tour shenanigans you wish to share? Nope!
How do you prepare for a gig? Sleep. Zzzzz…
As an original founding member of TION, did you imagine or hope for TION’s current status in the music industry? Describe your personal journey over the years and the changes you’ve seen unfold for TION through that time. I can say that I never imagined TION would get to the status it is today, and I never imagined I’d still be doing this after so many years. I guess I’m still doing it because I love it and the reason I love it so much is that it seems to bring joy to so many people all around the world. How many people get a warm round of applause when they enter the office, or a standing ovation at the end of a days work!
Favourite types of TION gigs? It doesn’t matter to me whether it’s a big or small gig, just any gig where there is a real connection with the audience. We performed at a festival in New Zealand many years ago and I think the name of their festival sums up what makes a great show. “Te Ihi Te Wehi”. In Maori cultural terms it has a very special significance. ‘Ihi’ - is the feeling and emotion that a performer will bring to his work or performance. ‘Wehi’ - is the manner in which the performance is received – by ‘making your hair on the back of your neck stand up. ‘Spellbound’ - is the English language equivalent that best expresses a standout performance.
What were you like in High School? Like me only 10 years younger… ok 25 years younger. I played the role of the Tinman in high school. I wanted to be the Scarecrow but the director thought I was born to play the Tinman. I kind of agree.
Favourite TION tour so far? South Korea
Who would play you as the starring role in the movie of your life? Apparently Will Ferrell.