Andy Butler

Principal Bass

Joined the orchestra: 1990, won principal in 2007

Andy Butler received his Bachelor’s Double Degree in Performance and Education from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and his Master’s Degree in Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory. He is the Principal Bass of Opera San Jose, the Fresno Philharmonic, and the California Symphony. Andy also holds the titled chair of Assistant Principal Bass with the Santa Rosa Symphony and the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. He is a regular member of both the Marin Symphony and Oakland Symphony.  Andy also substitutes for many orchestras in and around the Bay Area, including the San Francisco Symphony. During the summer, Mr. Butler is a participant in the Music in the Mountains Festival and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. He is actively involved in teaching as well as performing. In addition to being on the faculty of the Sun Valley Summer Music Workshops, Andy works with the Home of United String Ensembles (H.O.U.S.E) program and Oakland Symphony’s M.U.S.E program, both of which serve students in the Oakland Public School System.  He also coaches chamber music at The College Preparatory School and is the Double Bass coach for the Berkeley Youth Orchestra.

Favorite Composer

Gustav Mahler