Having already been an avid sound engineer creating virtual orchestration, Jacob Simmons finds himself intrigued by exploring the world of manifesting his creativity in the hands of living musicians in classical orchestration. He studied the scores of Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Wagner, and read “Orchestration” by Walter Piston. He is determined this direction is where his musical language will grow richer and expand its horizon.
Composing has always been in his nature, whether it was piano lessons at a young age, or a neighborhood rock band with his sibling. He resonates with Beethoven’s words that "What I have in my heart and soul-must find a way out. That is the reason for music." He sees himself someday follow the footsteps of American composers like Samuel Barber and Charles Ives whose romantic and melodic writing he resonates with deeply.
Jacob keeps himself challenged with a series of compositions creatively paired with visual arts which he publishes on his Youtube and Soundcloud. Notably a work he wrote in memory of his grandfather who passed away in 2021, called the American Tone Poem, evokes imagery of the United States prior to the twenty first century. And in this second movement, he has the listeners immersed in a luxurious velvety sound world, impressively made by his virtual orchestration program.
He said he absolutely looks forward to hearing his music realized by real living musicians for the first time at ECI this summer.