2016 Scholarship Recipient

Andrew Rink began playing tuba in the 6th grade, after starting on euphonium the year prior. During his high school years at Emerald Ridge, Andrew was selected to perform in several honor groups, including the WMEA All State Wind Ensemble, Puget Sound Youth Wind Ensemble, WIBC and the South Sound Symphonic Band. He also earned two first place finishes at State Solo Contest.

Andrew just completed his freshman year at Washington State University, where he served as principal tuba player in the WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He will be traveling with the ensemble to perform at the 2016 Western International Band Clinic. Currently, he studies with Dr. Chris Dickey, tuba professor at WSU. Some of his previous teachers include Bruce Leonardy from Rogers High School and Jason Gilliam from Pacific Lutheran University.

At the end of May, Andrew will be traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee to compete as one of the ten semi-finalists in the International Tuba-Euphonium Competition, as well as to attend the conference featuring world-class musicians such as Brian Bowman and Øystein Baadsvik. His college plan thus far is to major in computer science and minor in tuba performance. He hopes to continue his musical career beyond college to teach lessons and play in several ensembles. Andrew thanks his parents, family, and girlfriend for all the support and inspiration they’ve given him over the years, and for holding his tuba when he gets too tired to carry it.