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Will band cover any graduation requirements?
Will band cover any graduation requirements?
South Garland Band Directors
Ms. Simmons is entering 1st year as the Head Director for South Garland High school after serving for 3 years as the Assistant Band Director.
Ms. Simmons grew up in Kennedale, TX, where she attended Kennedale High School, and was a member of the Wildcat Band and served as Drum Major her senior year. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from East Texas Baptist University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 2021. While at ETBU, she studied with Tom Webster on Alto Saxophone and participated in the ETBU Jazz Band, ETBU Symphonic Band and the Tiger Marching Band while also serving as the drum major from 2019 to 2021.
She recently graduated with a Master's of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. While at UNCO, Ms. Simmons studied with Andrew Janak while also participating in the Lab III Jazz Band and in both Baked Potato and Yoshi's jazz combos. In the 2023 UNC Greeley Jazz Festival, Simmons obtained the most outstanding improv soloist award while performing with UNC Lab III Jazz Band.
Ms. Simmons' drum corps experience began in 2019 with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps where she marched baritone, earning the "Most Improved Brass Player" award. During her 2020-2021 season, she served as Assistant Drum Major, earning herself the Jim Jones Leadership award from the Troopers. In 2022, she served as the low brass intern and returned in 2023 as a euphonium tech.
Dajia Simmons, Head Director
DIsimmons@garlandisd.net
Miguel Pimentel, Percussion Director
mpimentelgarlandisd.net
Mr. Pimentel is entering his 4th year as the Percussion Director for South Garland High School. Prior to his position at South, he attended Navarro College and graduated Cum Laude with an Associate's Degree in Music. Mr. Pimentel then transferred to Texas A&M University - Commerce where he graduated with a Bachelor's of Music in Music Education. He completed his student teaching at Coleman Jr. High and Wedgeworth Elementary with. Waxahachie ISD.
During his time at TAMU-C, he studied with a world class faculty, consisting of Dr. Brian Zator, Cory Doran, Sandi Rennick, Lauren Teel and Kent Hillman. He had the opportunity to perform in the front ensemble with the Pride Marching Band as the showcase band at the 2019 Bands of America Grand Nationals Contest at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. In 2022, he was one of the members of the top percussion ensemble at his university and performed with them at 2022 Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio, TX. While at TAMU-C, he also performed with the Symphonic Band, all 3 percussion ensembles and the Steel Pan ensemble.
Mr. Pimentel oversees the entire percussion program at South Garland High School, as well as Sam Houston Middle School and O'Banion Middle School.
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