Allegro

‘Why we joined the union’

Volume 117, No. 1January, 2017

André Lyles

I joined Local 802 not only for the benefits that the union provides for those who seriously commit to being professional full-time musicians, but also for the fact that I’m confident in my musical abilities, which allow me to take on any musical endeavor thrown my way. I want to be in the center of the top musical action, whether it be with individual artists, bands, shows or anything else. I want to be the first-call player for anything that anybody needs musically. I can help take people to the next level and achieve their musical goals. I’m dependable and reliable. Staying locked in arms with our fellow musicians of any instrument or voice is more important these days than ever. The journey to success is not a race, it’s a marathon. I’ve been blessed to go out on the road for two successful national tours with my band. We all went to college together and, in meeting each other, knew that music was something we had to continue doing with one another. It especially helps when you get to go out on the road and everybody surrounding you are all your best mates from college. It’s a little like meeting the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with; it just feels right. My principal instrument is electric bass guitar.