Born in San Francisco California in February of 1982, Walter would spend the first 18 years of his life growing up in Southern California. He attended Mission Viejo High School, a school well known for it's music program under the direction of John Hannan and Doug Meeuwsen. During his time in Mission Viejo, Walter discovered his yearning for the life of a professional musician. He played with several honor ensembles including the SCSBOA All-Southern Jazz All-Stars and the SCSBOA Wind Ensemble. He also spent time playing with several community college jazz ensembles including the first jazz band at Irvine Valley College. Walt would also lead the Walter Simonsen Swing Syndicate, a 14 piece swing band, and his own small group.
After graduating from MVHS, Walt moved to Denton Texas to attend the University of North Texas. He spent four years playing in the world famous 2 o'clock lab band. During his tenure in the North Texas area, he would perform professionally with numerous ensembles playing all styles of music. These included such groups as Inside Out (party band), Hunter Sullivan (Sinatra based), Cary Richards (Sinatra Based), and the DJO. He studied with Jay Saunders, Rodney Booth, Mike Stinel, Steffan Karrlson, Dan Hearle, and Jim Riggs. Also, during 2002, he would be the lead trumpet player with the Disney All-American College Band. Walt would receive his BM in Jazz Studies Performance.
Walt then moved back to the Los Angeles area, attending the University of Southern California, and continuing his professional performance. Walt took a position as a Teaching Assistant with the Spirit of Troy, the Trojan Marching Band. While working with the band he was able to perform with numerous artists and refine his pedigological philosophies. Walt would also perform with the Thornton Jazz Orchestra. Walt would graduate with a MM in Jazz Studies.
Currently, Walter is performing around the Los Angeles area. He has had a chance to play with such performers as: Bill Holman, Bob Florence, Nancy Wilson, Louie Bellson, Wayne Bergeron, Bobby Shew, Pete Christleib, Kim Richmond, Steve Miller (Stever Miller Band), John Clayton, Shelly Berg, and John Faddis, just to name a few. He is working on a DMA is Jazz Studies at USC and is also a teaching assistant working closely with John Thomas (Professor USC and a Fullbright Scholar). Walt serves as a TA for a jazz history and jazz improv class at USC. He is also the assistant director of the Concert Jazz Orchestra at USC. He is active in live and studio recording in the Los Angeles area.
Walt is also having fun working with a reggae band called the Truth (www.myspace.come/thetruth), Skip Spiro's Little Big Band, Salsa Caliente, Elliot Deustch's Big Band, and The Swing Cats.
To see more of Walt's performing schedule check out the itinerary.
Some sound clips can be found on the listening page.
Walter is available for performances and clinics
BM Jazz Studies University of North Texas
MM Jazz Studies University of Southern California
DMA Jazz Studies candidate University of Southern California
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