BJ Simmons Quintet

Robert “BJ” Simmons III, aka BJONSAX, is a native Washingtonian who began studying music at the age of nine. His studies on the Saxophone and Clarinet provided him the opportunity to become a member of the DC Youth Orchestra Program. He is a graduate of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. Robert has a passion for advancing and developing young minds. In fact, upon graduation Robert began teaching music in the District of Columbia Public School System. He taught for five years until he was promoted to the position of Director of Community Resources at the William E. Doar Jr. Public Charter School for the Performing Arts. As Director Community Resources, he also held the position as the Ward 5 Captain for DC Association of Public Chartered Schools. Robert “BJ” Simmons is an aspiring A&R (Artist & Repertoire) and is currently providing artist development for artists within DC and surrounding areas. Robert “BJ” Simmons is currently working on his first album while developing an arts integrated curriculum for students in Jr. Music Executives in Philadelphia, PA. On October 1st 2010 will graduate with a Masters Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Robert’s most recent professional achievements were the completion his internship with SONY Music Entertainment/ RED Distribution as a ‘Stache Lifestyle representative.

His performance based achievements include gaining master class Lab instruction under virtuosos such as: saxophonists Kirk Whalum, Stephanie Sanders, Bruce Williams, Frank Foster, Bob Mintzer, Trombonist Slide Hampton and the Legendary Calvin Jones. In 2001, while attending NSU BJ Simmons earned the Outstanding Jazz Soloist Award at the UNC-W Jazz Festival in 2001. Robert has performed at the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, The Youth Inaugural Ball for President Obama 2008, East Coast Jazz Festival, and the AFRAM Festival. BJ Simmons has made appearances with Actor Danny Glover, Ray Goodman & Brown, Victor Wooten, Fife of Tribe Called Quest, Millie Jackson, Deborah Bond, Bilal Salaam, Yahzirah, and the Washington Jazz Arts Institute Big Band under the direction of Davey Yarborough, Wildflower, and the Hubie Blake Big Band (Baltimore, MD). Robert has also made multiple television appearances on CBS with former White House Executive Chef, Charlie Reddin, and Youth For America (World-wide Broadcast with Hip-Hop Artist Fatso). He has recorded with Andre Alexander and Andre’s World (2009), Jazz in the Diamond District motion picture movie soundtrack (2008), and Yamama’nym (2002), (neo-soul band) Charles Butler & Trinity (2010), and Subtle Thoughts (2010). He has also performed for political notables such as: Governor Mark Warner (D) Virginia and Mayor Adrian Fenty. Finally, Robert “BJ” Simmons is currently touring with Hip-Hop Artist WALE.