Andrew J. Skaggs
Music Director
Andrew J Skaggs has had a long and varied career in music. Born into a musical family in Ashland, KY, Skaggs was exposed to a wealth of classical, jazz, Broadway, and pop records in his parents’ collection, and was instantly mesmerized. After showing promise as a singer, composer, and trombonist, he chose to pursue a career on the trombone, and for more than three decades he has performed in a wide array of styles and venues. Although much of his early career focused on jazz, rock, R&B, and Salsa, Skaggs would go on to hold positions in the Charlotte Symphony and the South Carolina Philharmonic, and make guest appearances with dozens of orchestras around the country.
He began conducting when a friend and mentor suggested he audition for the role of Enlisted Conductor for the US Navy Band, where Skaggs serves as a trombonist. Despite some trepidation, he auditioned and was awarded the position, which he held for an astonishing 15 years, from 2010 to 2025. In that time he has conducted chamber groups, wind ensembles, orchestras, and choruses in works from standard classics to world premieres.
Mr. Skaggs is an active composer, recitalist, and educator. He is currently on the faculty at the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and is a proud member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). He lives in Springfield, VA with his wife Megan and their two sons.
He began conducting when a friend and mentor suggested he audition for the role of Enlisted Conductor for the US Navy Band, where Skaggs serves as a trombonist. Despite some trepidation, he auditioned and was awarded the position, which he held for an astonishing 15 years, from 2010 to 2025. In that time he has conducted chamber groups, wind ensembles, orchestras, and choruses in works from standard classics to world premieres.
Mr. Skaggs is an active composer, recitalist, and educator. He is currently on the faculty at the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and is a proud member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). He lives in Springfield, VA with his wife Megan and their two sons.