Who We Are

Andy's career started with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops before he joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1989. In 2008 he was appointed Principal Percussion of the PSO and he taught at Duquesne University for 25 years. In addition, Andy is carrying on a drum and stick making company, Drummers Service, handed down from his father. The business has roots back to the 19th century and he continues to make some of the finest snare drums, concert bass drums and drumsticks in the world.

Eric began playing guitar as a child in his native California before moving to Pittsburgh. As a young Pittsburgh Jazz guitarist, he began playing with trombonist Harold Betters' group and the John Wilson Big Band. in 1984, Eric and Master conga drummer George Jones formed the latin Jazz group, Salsamba, now in its 40th year! Eric is on the guitar and Jazz faculty at Duquesne University.

A native of Cleveland, OH, Jeff's first professional gig was with the Atlanta Symphony before moving on to the Florida Philharmonic and finally to the Pittsburgh Symphony in 1996. Jeff has taught at the University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock University, and California University, in addition to being an active member of the Pittsburgh jazz scene. Jeff also performs regularly with his wife, vocalist Tania Grubbs. 

Thomas began playing professionally as a teenager in Pittsburgh in the 1990s. By his early twenties, Thomas was working regularly with Pittsburgh Jazz Masters Joe Negri, Jimmy Ponder, Sandy Staley, and Dwayne Dolphin, among many others. He is currently both a sideman and bandleader leading several different groups including the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. Thomas is on the faculty of Duquesne University and The Afro-American Music Institute.