Andrew James Hymel is the owner, proprietor, and music director
of Andy Hymel School of Music in Gretna, Louisiana, just
outside
of New Orleans. It is a success story that has blossomed
from one
man’s dream of music education into a consortium of teachers and
students who strive for excellence and value the importance of the
preservation of the arts in today’s New Orleans.
When asked about his Post Katrina experience, Hymel relied, "It was
scary to reopen the school and it was like starting over, but I felt
the community needed something to use as an outlet for the emotions
caused by Katrina. We weren't just rebuilding a music school; we were
rebuilding the minds and souls of our students and their families."
Andy Hymel earned a degree in Jazz Performance from Loyola
University in New Orleans, LA. At a young age, his musical talents
developed from “jamming” with neighborhood musicians in the Algiers
area, notably Frank Saucier, a regular solo artist at Kerry’s Irish
Pub
in the French Quarter. In the 80’s, he honed his guitar skills at the
World’s Fair with the vocal group “Celebration” and is to this day
appreciative of that opportunity.
While his music accomplishments were self-developed, his community
involvement and business acumen were mostly inspired by his dad.
His father, Lloyd Hymel, is a pillar of the Algiers community and
an
elder of Saint Andrews the Apostle Church. He was Chairman of the
West Bank Chamber of Commerce, President of the Petroleum Club and
the West Bank Rotary Club, and Vice President of AMF Tuboscope in
Harvey,
Louisiana.
One of his brothers, Philip Hymel, is a Chief Financial Manager
at Entergy, and recently served as President of the
University
of New Orleans Alumni Association. Another brother, David Hymel, is
in
the oil and gas business and for years organized the oil field “Chili
Cook Off”; recently at Boomtown Casino and previously at Alvin Andrew
Callender Naval Air Force Base in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.
Another brother, Greg, owned and operated a Zack’s Frozen Yogurt
franchise and is a Ginger Baker “Cream” style drummer. His is also an
artist/painter and is displayed in several restaurants in the New
Orleans
area. Obviously, the senior Mr. Hymel set a solid foundation for his
children to excel in business and community development.
With that said, it is apparent that Andy Hymel has parlayed his
strong
family values and love of music instruction from a work at home
business
into a full blown, reputable, school of music.
Branching off from the security of working from home, Hymel first
opened
his school at 601 Terry Parkway in Gretna, LA, in an area commonly
known
as Terrytown. What started as a handful of students quickly blossomed
into
a full school of music with 280 students strong. Predominantly a
guitar
teacher, he also teaches piano and bass. His drum instructor, Jumpin’
Joe
Gelini, graduated from Berklee School of Music in Boston, a great
accomplishment
considering only 2% of those who attend Berklee actually graduate.
The school
has a wide variety of teachers, including band directors and vocal
coaches,
covering several instruments and genres. Even Hymel’s high school
guitar
teacher from Holy Cross is on the payroll!
Mr. Hymel (not his dad Lloyd) believes that music education can
start at
the Pre-K level and has programs and original songs in place for the
youngest
of students. He also has courses geared for “Baby Boomers” as well.
In between those age groups, one of his most amazing
accomplishments is that
5 of his students have received full scholarships to various schools
of music
and EVERY one of his 10 students who have applied to NOCCA was
accepted on
their first audition!
One former student, Claire Maloney, begins as an understudy in the fall
of 2007 with the
Metropolitan Opera Association. Another, Alex Zander, is a published
singer/songwriter. His nephew Dustin Hymel recently earned a
degree in Music Education from Loyola University in New Orleans.
Dustin is now the band director at Belle Chasse
High School.
Andy has studied with world class musicians such as Steve
Masakowski on guitar, saxophonist Tony Dagradi, and the premier New
Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich. After completing his studies at
Loyola University, Andy studied Jazz improvisation with world renowned
guitarist Warren Batiste. The above mentioned teachers have performed
with the likes of Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton, Diana Reeves, Frank
Sinatra, Fats Domino, Ray Charles and many other famous musicians.
Their ideas and views on music has ingrained itself into Andy's style
and teaching methods.
In addition to his accomplishments as a teacher and entrepreneur,
he has
written and recorded hundreds of original songs and his efforts are
starting
to be recognized. Many of
Hymel’s songs are in the process of being recorded
for his soon to be released CD. He has six other recording
projects that have already been published.
For Andrew James Hymel this is only the start. As an unabashed
Beatles fan,
an admitted student of New Orleans music, and an unwavering ambassador
of music
education, the sky is the limit!
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