tap/click for bioAndre White is one of today’s youngest most prolific steel-band arrangers, composers and performers. Starting from the age of six, in the little village of Freeport, New York, he began playing with family-based band ADLIB Steel Orchestra in which most if not all of his talents were explored, exposed, and fostered. Beginning on the tenor pan, Andre quickly learned how to play all the other instruments in the steelband family - but falling in love particularly with the Alto pan, the Double Seconds. Growing up, Andre also learned to play other contemporary instruments such as the Trombone, Drums and Percussion, Keys, along with others through his public school education process.
At the age of fourteen, Andre began working and experimenting with ADLIB’s stage side and began developing his own style, learning from the works of the great steelband arrangers before him such as Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Jit Samaroo, Clive Bradley, Ray Holman, Earl Rodney, and others. In 2006, Andre entered his first Panorama in New York, under the tutelage and in accompaniment by Michael ‘Chalkie’ George. The group placed 10th but had proved to be a great learning experience for Andre. The following year, with Andre solely at the helm of arranger, the band placed 3rd in the New York Panorama, and the following years only led to more and greater success. Andre won Panorama three times with ADLIB in 2008, 2011 and 2012 and placed 2nd in 2009 and 2010.
In 2008, Andre began working with London-based powerhouse Mangrove Steelband where he quickly became no stranger to success with them, coming 2nd in 2009, 2010, 2012, and winning London Panorama in 2011, 2018, 2019 and 2021. He has also arranged for various steel orchestras in Trinidad such as Sforzata, Tamana Pioneers, the legendary Desperadoes and Pamberi.
From 2008-2012, Andre attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music where he was awarded numerous scholarships and graduated with a degree in Professional Music. At Berklee he studied and learned various jazz improvisation techniques with Ed Saindon, Dave Samuels, Gustavo Agiatello, Rebecca Cline, Ron Maudi and many others. Andre has also shared the stage with many other well-known artists such as Etienne Charles, Andy Narell, Liam Teague, the Mighty Sparrow, Robert Greenidge, Leon Foster Thomas, Ben Williams, and many others.
Already accomplishing so much at a young age, Andre understands there is so much more for him to experience in the life of a successful musician. “In the end my main focus is stay true to myself and the music. Once I take care of the music, the music will take care of me.”
