BANDMASTER NICK SIMMONS-SMITH

Nick Simmons-Smith is a fifth-generation Salvationist originally from Chelmsford, near London, in the United Kingdom.  Chelmsford was, and is, a busy family corps with active music sections.  At one time Nick was active in Senior Band (Assistant Band Sergeant), YP Band (Assistant Band Leader), Songsters (String Bass accompanist) and Singing Company (Bass Guitar).   He learned most of what he knows about Salvation Army music from excellent local officers, fellow soldiers, and a family with a fine musical heritage.

After graduating with a degree in Music composition and performance from Colchester Institute, Nick moved to the USA in 1998 to work at the Texas Divisional Headquarters Music Department, under the direction of Bandmaster James Anderson.  After nearly 5 years in Dallas, Nick returned to the UK to teach music at the High School level.

Nick returned to the States in 2004 to direct the Performing Arts program in Dallas, spear-heading high quality community programs offering affordable classes in many art forms. In September 2006 he married Roberta, a Salvationist from Newfoundland, Canada.

In April 2008 Nick and Roberta relocated to Atlanta and assumed the roles of Territorial Music Publications and Marketing Specialist and Territorial Creative Arts Director respectively.   During this time Nick was responsible for the typesetting of the Southern Territory music publications including the American Instrumental Ensemble Series, Sing Praise!, and Children’s Praise.  He currently has around 20 compositions published by the Eastern Territory, Southern Territory, Western Territory, and the United Kingdom Territory.

In February 2009 Nick succeeded Dr. Richard E. Holz as Territorial Music and Creative Arts Education Secretary – a position Dr. Holz held for 30 years.

Nick enjoys time at home with Roberta and their two boys, Jonah and Jamie, and Padget the dog.  Nick also enjoys soccer, baseball, history, reading, cooking, gardening, and an eclectic taste in music.