Sponsored by Beverly & Barry Williams

Garth Simmons is the principal trombonist with the Toledo Symphony, a position he has held since 2001. Originally from Montana, Mr. Simmons left the west at age 17 to earn a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music. Prior to his arrival in Toledo, Simmons held positions with several orchestras across the U.S., including the Alabama and Florida Symphony orchestras. Currently, in addition to his duties with the TSO, Simmons maintains an active schedule as a soloist and chamber musician. He is often featured as a soloist with the TSO, including performances of Christopher Rouse’s Trombone Concerto in March of 2008.

Simmons has served on the faculties of Birmingham-Southern College, the University of Alabama-Birmingham, the University of Toledo, and Bowling Green State University. Simmons has also performed as a substitute and extra with the Detroit, Grand Rapids, Milwaukee and Jacksonville Symphony Orchestras. His debut CD, American Visions, was released in 2013 and is available at www.garthsimmons.com  and Apple music.