Andre Dowell

Andre Dowell is a strategic arts administrator and thought leader who helps drive national programming and conversations around diversity in classical music. He currently serves as Chief of Artist Engagement for the Sphinx Organization, the nation’s leading arts organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. In this role, he oversees the Artist Development and Performing Artists programs through which Sphinx recognizes and supports emerging talent, and curates performance opportunities around the country. Under Andre’s leadership, his team’s national partner network has grown to 40+ orchestras, enabling Sphinx to continue expanding its programming to new audiences nationwide. Beyond his role at Sphinx, Andre is committed to building a thriving national arts community through a growing roster of speaking engagements and external leadership roles. He has been invited to address audiences at training centers including Interlochen Center for the Arts, the University of Tennessee at Martin, Lindenwood University, the University of Toledo, and the University of Denver. He currently serves as a board member for the Classical Connections Committee within the Association for Performing Arts Professionals, Third Coast Percussion, River Raisin Ragtime Revue and as an Artistic Advisor for Intersection Music.

A native of Trenton, Tennessee, Andre’s music career began in piano lessons at the urging of his mother. Despite his initial reluctance to embrace the craft, it was not long before Andre was transformed by an unshakable love of sound. Driven by a passion for music that crystallized in the Southern Black Baptist Church and school ensembles, he would complete Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Percussion Performance at the University of Michigan. Andre resides in Ypsilanti, Michigan with his daughter and son, along with an expertly curated collection of bowties.