Senior Andrew Hill, a musician since age 7, a song writer since age 10, entertained Whitman students while performing at Coffeehouse in the Reid Center on Friday, Sep. 19. A past performer at Coffeehouse, Hill again relished in the supportive ambiance and expressive freedom it provided. Like other Whitman student musicians, Hill took full advantage of the opportunity to perform for his peers in an upbeat and relaxing environment.

Every song Hill performed was his own creation and reflective of his musical ingenuity. He enjoys explaining his honest opinion on poverty, racial inequality and the war through music. Hill’s voice and songs are entirely unique and expressive of his personal take on the world.

“I write mostly classic rock, but also what you would consider folk or pop. They usually deal with issues of social justice or love,” said Hill.

Hill described song-writing as a difficult process, one in which you need to be true to yourself. In the end, he finds it rewarding and worth encountering a little adversity.
As a child, “I was indoctrinated with rock and roll by my father,” said Hill.

Since Hill’s childhood, music has become a highly significant part of his life, considering that he taught himself to play the guitar.

“I have never taken any music classes at Whitman. I am in chorale, but that’s it. I have never even taken guitar lessons,” Hill said.

In addition to his parents, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young have impacted Hill in monumental ways.

Hill once attended a Springsteen concert and described it as “a performance rather than a concert. Springsteen established a connection with his audience. The sense of energy he transmitted was so powerful and inspiring.”

However, unlike these celebrities, Hill does not own the latest model or most expensive electric guitar in existence.

He possesses quite the opposite: “It’s an old model I picked up at a pawn shop called a Vesper. It’s not well-known, but it works. I have had it for a long time.”

Hill’s instrument may not be the most modern, but it proves he can play on just about anything.

The effect on the audience was indubitable.

Audience member Emily Kitzman said, “His songs covered a wide variety of world issues and human emotions”.

First-year Monica Paulson said, “It was obvious that he is passionate about the subject of his songs.”

After graduating from Whitman College this spring, Hill plans to attend graduate school to study French. He has no concrete plans to study music; however, he will definitely continue playing the guitar.

“It will be a study break and a life break,” Hill said.

A true rock and roll aficionado, Hill transcends all conceivable limitations, writing songs from the heart and spreading the ideals of understanding, love, and equality through a medium everyone can appreciate – music.