Patsy Ford Simms
Patsy Ford Simms | |
---|---|
Born | 1946 (age 77–78) |
Genres | Choral music, Gospel music |
Occupation(s) | Composer, arranger, educator |
Patsy Ford Simms (born 1946)[1] is an American composer, arranger, and educator who is widely published in both the secular and religious fields.[1]
Career
Patsy Ford Simms began composing in 1981 at the age of 35 as a matter of necessity, being a music teacher in American middle schools, due to a lack of choral octavos to teach to her students. She was inspired and encouraged by the late Joyce Eilers (creator of the 3 part mixed concept) who was her mentor.[2] Simms taught grades K-12 for 34 years, primarily in the Jefferson County Public Schools and the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, Kentucky.[3]
Her extensive work over more than three decades has earned her international recognition and renown, particularly in Europe, Africa, and Bermuda, where she has been a presenter.[1][2][3]
Two of Patsy's most notable compositions are "Amani Utupe", written in English and Swahili[4] for Kenyan friends of hers,[5] and “Climbin’ up the Mountain.”[3] Both were selected for two MENC (Music Educators National Conference) World’s Largest Concerts.
In 2000, Simms received numerous international honors. The
Simms' compositions and arrangements are archived at the Center for Black Music Research (Chicago, Illinois) and at the Donne in Musica Foundation (Rome, Italy).
Personal life
Patsy is married to retired
References
- ^ a b c "Alfred Music - Patsy Ford Simms". www.alfred.com.
- ^ a b c "Pavane Publishing". www.pavanepublishing.com.
- ^ a b c d "Guide to the Patsy Ford Simms Turner Collection, Center for Black Music Research". digitalcommons.colum.edu.
- ^ Son, J.W. Pepper and. "Amani Utupe (Two-Part ) by Patsy Ford Simms- J.W. Pepper Sheet Music". www.jwpepper.com.
- ^ scrippsranchmom (30 May 2009). "Amani Utupe grant us peace give us courage" – via YouTube.
- ^ a b "Patsy Ford Simms". gentrypublications.com.
External links
- Guide to the Patsy Ford Simms Turner Collection, Center for Black Music Research, Columbia College Chicago