About the Director
Mr. Simpson is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. He attended Edisto High School, where he was a member of the Edisto High School “Blue Machine” Band Program and served as trumpet section leader and band captain. After graduating high school, Mr. Simpson studied Music Education at the South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC. He was principal trumpet player for the SCSU Wind Ensemble, lead trumpet player for the SCSU Jazz Band, member of the SCSU Brass Quintet, and the “Marching 101”. Mr. Simpson is a member of the Zeta Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Fraternity for College Members where he also served in the capacity of President, Vice-President, and Historian.
After graduating from South Carolina State University, Mr. Simpson taught for four years at Darlington High School in Darlington, SC. At Darlington High School, Mr. Simpson oversaw the direction of the band program. Under his direction, the DHS Band Program achieved numerous historic program achievements. Mr. Simpson taught two Concert Ensembles, Concert Percussion Ensemble, Winter Guard Ensemble, Jazz Band Ensemble and Brass Quintet. Mr. Simpson also served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Bates Middle School in Sumter County School District in Sumter, SC.
Mr. Simpson’s professional affiliations include the South Carolina Band Director’s Association (SCBDA), National Education Association (NEA), Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, and Prince Hall Affiliated Free & Accepted Masons Edisto Lodge 39. Mr. Simpson has served on the SCBDA All-State Committee and also has experience as a drill writer, adjudicator, and clinician.
In his free time, Mr. Simpson enjoys spending time with friends and family and playing golf. Mr. Simpson is formerly a member of the Francis Marion Community Concert Band in Florence, SC. He is optimistic and excited about joining the Valdosta City Schools family and looks forward to a great year with the VHS Marching Cats and the J.L. Newbern Middle School Band Program!