Andrea DeRenzis Strauss, Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology, holds the Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from the University of South Carolina with an emphasis in clarinet performance, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education with a minor in conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi where she studied conducting with Dr. Thomas V. Fraschillo. At the Georgia Institute of Technology, Dr. Strauss supervises the band program and music minor degree program, conducts the Symphonic Band and wind chamber ensembles, teaches wind literature, music theory, clarinet, conducting, and assists with the Marching Band. Under her leadership, the Symphonic Band and wind chamber ensembles have performed for the Southern Division College Band Directors National Association and National Band Association Conference, and the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conferences. In 2001, the Symphonic Band performed in Dublin, Ireland with the Dublin Institute of Technology Wind Ensemble. Recently, the wind chamber ensembles performed for the 2005 Shanghai International Arts Festival in Shanghai, China. In addition, the chamber groups performed collaborative concerts with the Sino-Canadian College in Beijing and the Shanghai Music Conservatory and Children’s Palace in Shanghai.

Dr. Strauss is a member of the 2006-2008 Board of Directors for the National Band Association (NBA). She has served as chair for the NBA Music Education Research Committee and as the NBA Mentor Director. In addition, she has served as state chair and national representative for the NBA, the College Band Directors' National Association, and on the Board of Directors for Phi Beta Mu.

Professor Strauss is an active conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States, Ireland, and Canada, and has conducted in Italy for the III Stage Internationale per Direttori D’Orchestra di Fiati. Recently, Tau Beta Sigma presented Dr. Strauss with the 2006 Outstanding Service to Music Award. She has received the NBA Citation of Excellence and the Women Band Directors' National Association Scroll of Excellence. Dr. Strauss has been a recipient of the Georgia Institute of Technology College of Architecture Outstanding Faculty for Education and Practice Award and was selected into Omicron Delta Kappa.

Having taught instrumental music at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels in Georgia, Dr. Strauss continues to teach all ages and is currently the part-time band instructor for Christ the King School in Atlanta, GA. In addition to sustaining a career in public school teaching, Dr. Strauss served as the Associate Director of the 1992-1996 Atlanta Olympic Band. Professor Strauss continues to be a clarinetist and assistant conductor of the Cobb Wind Symphony, and the Tara Winds Community Band, both of which have performed for the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, Ill.