Chad Simons

Dr. Chad Simons joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico in 2005. He is currently a Conductor of Instrumental Music at UNM. His duties include conducting various ensembles, teaching a large studio of young conductors, and delivering repertoire and methods courses to music education majors.

Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Simons served as the Associate Director of Bands and an Associate Professor of Music. For 17 years he conducted the UNM Symphonic Band, directed all facets of the UNM athletic band program, and served as the associate conductor of the UNM Wind Symphony. Dr. Simons was the Director and CEO of the Zia Marching Band Fiesta for 20 years. The Fiesta is a BOA formatted event that features 32 bands in preliminary and finals competition. Zia is one of the premiere marching band competitions in the southwest.

Dr. Simons has extensive experience building and maintaining quality secondary and collegiate band programs. Before coming to New Mexico, he served as the Associate Director of Bands at Idaho State University, Pocatello, and as a public school music teacher in his home state of Montana. Active as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, Dr. Simons has given clinics, presented a variety of lectures, and conducted concert bands across the country. He is published in Teaching Music Through Performance in Band, Volume I, and has produced, collaborated on, or directed over a dozen professional recordings.

Professor Simons holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Montana, Missoula, where he graduated with a president’s recognition award, a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, and a Doctorate in Wind Conducting from the University of Kansas, Lawrence.