Andrew Shirley is the guitar player for All Together Separate. His energetic playing style and raw excellence brings a modern edge to the sound of the band. "Playing music in the name of the creator . . . that's the highest calling to excellence any musician could have," says Andrew. "I'm not the greatest . . . but I serve the One who is."

At the age of eight, his walk with the Lord began when his father Jerry, a Navy Chaplain, led him to Jesus and baptized him at the beach in Puerto Rico. "Growing up, my mom, a high school choir teacher, made me take piano lessons for ten years . . . and I never thought I would say this . . . but thanks Mom!" He started playing guitar as a senior in high school to lead music at his church youth group in San Diego, and has been playing ever since. "My high school and college years were the time when I began deepening my understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Jesus is all about who I am and not just what I do."

Andrew went on to attend California Baptist College studying a Fine Arts degree and a Music Minor. While at Cal Baptist, Andrew started and led the Chapel Worship Team and the Thursday Night Live Bible Study. He was also involved in three traveling ensemble groups. "College was a huge time of learning . . . and the classes were all right, too!"

After graduating from college, Andrew also began working with Youth for Christ as the Riverside area Campus Life director. He is currently a member at Bible Fellowship of Riverside, and is actively involved in that church. Andrew tries to influence people to know Jesus through any and every opportunity he gets.

It is that lifestyle that characterizes the band as they use music like a tool to influence people for Christ. Andrew's likable character and ability to make others feel comfortable around him really allow the band to reach a wide variety of people. "As far as musical styles go, I just love music. You can really find something good in anything that has live and groove." Andrew can draw musical influence from such diversities as: U2, Miles Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Tommy Walker, Phil Keaggy, Michael Jackson, Dave Matthews Band and one of his most recent favorites, The Brand New Heavies. He is not only an excellent guitarist, but also a musician and an aspiring producer. Andrew's heart is expressed clearly when he says; "If anything I do is good, I thank Jesus for He has made all the difference in my life."