About Adrian

Adrian B. Sims, born in Seattle, Washington, is an accomplished composer and conductor of music for bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles of all levels. Adrian has more than 50 publications to his name, and many of his works have been selected for the JW Pepper Editor’s Choice List, the Bandworld Top 100 List, and the Texas Prescribed Music List. His music has been performed at prestigious conferences, such as The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, The Texas Music Educators Association, and at new music reading sessions across the country. Adrian has been commissioned by numerous organizations, including the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity, to compose a new work that premiered at The 78th Midwest Clinic.

He is frequently invited to conduct honor bands, rehearse, and lead clinics with bands and orchestras of all levels across the United States. Adrian has recording experience as both a conductor and producer, and has recorded music at the University of Maryland at College Park, The University of Texas at Austin, and The Palladium in Indianapolis. He has produced recordings of works by notable composers such as Viet Cuong, David Biedenbender, and Katahj Copley.

Adrian’s primary mentors in composition include Brian Balmages, Dr. Robert Gibson, Omar Thomas, and Dr. Donald Grantham. He received his Master’s degree in Composition from The University of Texas at Austin and Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Composition from the University of Maryland at College Park. At the University of Maryland, he studied trombone with Matthew Guilford, solo bass trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra, and Aaron LaVere, principal trombonist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.