Andrew Francis earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees with Honors from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. While at Lenoir-Rhyne, he served as Head Drum Major of the newly reformed Spirit of LR Marching Band for three years. He was also selected as a student guest conductor for the Lenoir-Rhyne Wind Symphony at the 2019 North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference.

Mr. Francis marched Lead Mellophone with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps from 2016–2018. During the 2017 and 2018 seasons, he also performed saxophone at the DCI Performers Showcase in Indianapolis.

Mr. Francis currently serves as Director of Bands at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he oversees a comprehensive program including three concert bands, percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble, two competitive winter guards, a competitive indoor winds program, and the highly competitive Mighty Knight Marching Band. The Ardrey Kell band program has been recently featured in local newspapers for its growth, health, and success. And in August of 2025, the Mighty Knight Marching Band was selected as the guest marching band for the pop group “AJR”,  joining them onstage to close their concert at PNC Arena in Charlotte.

Previously, Mr. Francis served as Director of Bands at Butler High School from 2021–2024, where his marching band earned multiple Grand Championships, completed an undefeated 2022 season, and represented North Carolina in the 2023 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. During his time there, the Butler Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble all earned Superior Ratings at NC MPA events during his tenure.

Mr. Francis is a member of NAfME, NBA, NCMEA, NCBA, and the SCDBA where he has served on the Executive Board as the High School Representative. He also serves as a committee member and former event host for the CMS High School Honor Band. Mr. Francis is also the Assistant Director of Music - Director of Handbells at Harrisburg Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, NC.

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Andrew brings extensive experience in marching arts, concert ensembles, and music education to the MDC instructional team.