Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12

New Appointment Hits the Right Note for 2016 Alumnus

Gabriel Simerson, Class of 2016, has been appointed interim organist and choirmaster of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Burke, Va. A job that will involve organ performance, choral direction, and administering the music program, the appointment is the culmination of a marathon pandemic-era job search that followed graduation in December 2020 from American University with dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and music.

Gabe was counseled by musicians from a young age to major in something more lucrative than music and initially started college as only a political science major, with dreams of working in public radio. This goal was nurtured while at Hamden Hall, when his May Project was completed at WNPR in Hartford. Well into his college career; however, Gabe knew his true passions were being neglected, and worked hard with the AU Arts Department to devise a way to add a music major. In a plan that included some credit-wrangling, an extra semester, and the hiring of an organ faculty member, his second bachelor’s culminated in a livestreamed organ recital at St. Paul’s, K Street, a project Gabe dubbed Operation Warp Speed!

Gabe credits his love for choral music with his formative experiences at Hamden Hall. Matt Harrison helped to refine his musicianship and scope, and his predecessor, the late Lou “Doc” Negri, invited Gabe to sing for the first time. Gabe said every note he plays or directs is in honor and in memory of formative Hornets.
Back

Hamden Hall Country Day School

About Us

Hamden Hall Country Day School is a nurturing and inclusive community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.