11 Questions with Andrew Minear of Orlando Sings
You can’t deny people are awesome. Who doesn’t like sitting down with good friends to ask them interesting, insightful, and funny questions? That’s what 11 Questions is about. I’ll be featuring some friends I look up to as well as people within the Orlando community I’ve always wanted to get to know by asking them 11 Questions (go figure) and doing a advertising style photoshoot with them.
Someone who says yes is an adventurous person. In this case, Andrew isn’t simply adventurous because he agreed to be featured here. He’s adventurous because he agreed after I told him the ideas I had for photographing him. I ran him through the gauntlet of expressions for the portrait below, and without batting an eye he willingly obliged, always giving it his all. It’s that kind of spirit that I think will help propel Orlando Sings to prominence in Central Florida, and dare I say nationally? In meeting Andrew I met an incredibly kind man who wants the best for his family and community. I’m eagerly looking forward to looking back on this post in 5 years so I can see how far he and the choir has come.
If you could have an extra hour of free time every day, how would you use it?
If you had asked me that up until a few years ago I would have said “great I can get some more work done!” But my perspective has changed and today I would use it to spend time with my daughters— they are growing up before my eyes and I do not want to miss it.
Favorite book, album, or musician who has impacted your life?
I have a pretty eclectic music taste and there is SO MUCH great music from over the centuries it is impossible to choose one. Same with books, but I’ll offer two that have shaped my thinking: 1) The Art of Possibility by Rosemund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander for helping me see beyond limitations; and 2) Meditations by Marcus Aurelius for it is full of ancient and timeless stoic wisdom, including insights on human behavior and ways to cope with adversity.
If you could mate two different species of animals what would they be?
Hmmm…lets go with an owl and an octopus, an “Octowlpus?” It is comfortable in most every environment (in the air, on land, or in the sea). Smart and flexible like an octopus, it can solve puzzles and squeeze through impossible spaces. And with the wisdom of an owl, knows when to be quiet and still, the vision to see even in darkness, sings beautifully (!!), and when needed…quick decisiveness with powerful talons. And how about some fantastical feathers that change color for camouflage...or just to be fabulous?
Who in your life has inspired you?
Several amazing teachers come to mind, and I have always admired my friends and colleagues who take big professional leaps (e.g. for a new job or to start a business), but I’ll go with my grandpa, Max Minear. A World War II veteran, he worked hard through several careers, had a 74-year marriage with my grandma Shirley, has always been dedicated to his family, traveled all around the world, and has been an active volunteer for decades. Even today at age 97 he is a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels!
What are you proud of?
From backpacking Europe in my 20’s, to earning my doctorate degree in my 30’s, and recently launching a new performing arts nonprofit in downtown Orlando called Orlando Sings (IG)…I am proud of my ability to set big goals, go for them, and persist through the inevitable challenges along the way.
What rejuvenates you?
I love to travel, the initial research and planning, the anticipation in the time leading up to the trip, the change of scenery, great food and music, learning the history of a place, new cultural experiences—yes please! I also love a beach getaway any time, and I sure do enjoy college football season.
Is there anything you haven't done yet which you feel compelled to do?
So many things! I’d like to combine my loves of travel and music and lead the Orlando Sings Symphonic Chorus on an international tour. I also have interest in entrepreneurship and a few side hustle ideas to develop.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
A life in music means some seasons can be really busy, especially in the weeks leading up to a concert or show. I’ve tried to balance those busy weeks by making sure other times like spring break and weeks over the summer are spent making memories with my family.
Best place to eat in Orlando?
I have always loved Antonio’s in Maitland. Upstairs is wonderful of course, but I love to sit in the cafe downstairs, pick out a bottle of vino, dip the warm bread in olive oil, devour the shrimp-spinach fettuccini, and definitely bring home a jar of the “Upstairs Marinara Sauce” from the market.
How do you hope to be remembered?
First and foremost I want to be remembered by my kids as a good and loving dad. Then I hope my students over the years remember me as a kind and caring teacher (and maybe even learned a thing or two about music, singing, or life!). Finally, I hope I am remembered as someone who spread joy and made a positive impact in my community and the lives of others.
If you were to choose a different career what would it be?
Rocket scientist. I have always been fascinated by space exploration and I think it would be really cool to help design the vehicles that get us there. I became a choir director instead, so my new goal is for Orlando Sings to bring the first choir on tour to space!