Full-Time Music Appointment for 2016 Alumnus

Class of 2016 alumnus Gabriel “Gabe” Simerson has been appointed Director of Music Ministries at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ivy, Va. 

As the first full-time director, Gabe is tasked with playing the organ, directing and growing the existing choir, and adding music opportunities for children and youth. Additionally, he is responsible for identifying broader opportunities to engage the parish and community in the arts, including through concert series and other extra-liturgical events. 

"Being chosen for a position as a parish church musician is really a vote of confidence in a person’s general humanity and all-around skill, "said Gabe. "These people are players, directors, teachers, and friends, but are also financial planners and managers, contractors, communications specialists so I’m particularly happy that St. Paul’s found me worth investing in. I’m also excited to have the opportunity to expand opportunities for anyone to make music, and to do my favorite thing of all: lead congregational singing from the organ in a way that makes everyone want to try.

Gabe graduated from American University in 2020 with a dual degree in political science and music. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Director of Music and Organist at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, which involved organ performance, choral direction, and administering the music program. He also continued his musical education as a recipient of a Koster Foundation grant, which funded a trip to Scotland to study harpsichord with John Kitchen, MBE.

Gabe credits, in part, the choral and musical foundation he received at Hamden Hall under the direction of the late Lou “Doc” Negri and current Upper School Music director Matt Harrison with his growing success and the inspiration to pursue musical leadership as a career.