BRIAN SIMMONS
What does it mean to be a Southernite?
To be a Southernite is to be a lifelong learner, a lifelong server, and a lifelong force of change and progress.
Brian's Bio:
Brian K. Simmons is the Assistant Director of Bands and professor at Southern University and A&M College. Mr. Simmons’ responsibilities includes arranging music for the marching band, rehearsing the marching band, supervising the dance routine committee, Director of Pep Band, instructor of the sight-reading development course, Conductor of the Symphonic Band, and assisting the Director of Bands in all other areas of the total program.
He is a native of New Orleans, La and a graduate of McDonogh 35 Senior High School. He is a two-time graduate of Southern University and A&M College, completing both his
Bachelor of Music and Master of Educational Leadership degrees. While at Southern, he was the prized student of Lawrence Jackson and Nathan B. Haymer. Simmons was an exceptional euphonium and trombone player. While in the band, Simmons’ served in many capacities and received many awards: Section Leader, Student Arranger, Student Conductor, First Chair in the Wind Ensemble, and Bandsman of the Year to name a few. He is a member of the HBCU National Band Director’s Consortium, Music Educators National Conference and Louisiana Music Educators Association, Mu Phi Epsilon, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
In addition, Mr. Simmons also serves as an adjudicator and clinician to middle and high school bands in the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. He is a prolific arranger and educator who is respected all over the nation. He has received many awards and critical acclaim for his many legendary arrangements. Simmons’ credits Southern University for all of his success and looks to serve for many years to come.
In June 2018, he was appointed as Director of Bands and Director of Fine Arts at the Louisiana Leadership Institute by Founder, Sen. Cleo Fields and Former Director of Bands, Nathan B. Haymer. He also currently serves as Band Consultant and Instructor of Music for McKinley Senior High School in Baton Rouge, LA.