Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianna Simpson.
Hi Marianna, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am Marianna Parnas-Simpson. I grew up in Ukraine, city of Chernivtsi, a beautiful city built in 15 century. Ukraine was a part of the communist Soviet Union. After graduating from High School, I went to the
one of the largest city in Soviet Union-Saint Petersburg (then-Leningrad), Russia, to study in the Rymsky-Korsakov State Conservatory of Music. I graduated with the Master Degree in Choral Conducting and founded the girl’s choir Kamerton, which I directed for 10 years. In 1990 with the changes of Soviet Union from communist oppressive regime to somewhat democratic, my family was allowed to immigrate to the USA.
For a very long time we lived in the state of shock: shock of being allowed to emigrate, shock of not being allowed to take anything except a $100 and 2 suitcases, shock of entering the country you do not understand, because you do not speak its language, cultural shock, shock of not being able to use your education…etc. I did not speak English and had no prospects to get a conducting or teaching job. So, I worked in fast food restaurants, hair salons, retail shops…etc to support myself and my 13 year old daughter. The road of an immigrant is the road of moving through a lot of frustration and sometimes hopelessness.
But it is also a test for the survival and surprises: you work your hardest and you sometimes receive encouragements and help from total strangers. It’s a mix. Often I heard from my countrymen: “Nobody needs another choir director in America-go and find yourself some useful profession, like a nurse or computer operator”. I tried.
I enrolled into school radiology to became a certified x-ray technician, but luckily, no one hired me! It took me about four years and lots of good luck to get my first teaching job, but I got it , and my career started to flourish. It was 30 years ago. I have received a gift of a new life and new career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Part of my struggle, as I described previously, was not speaking English, a main tool for the quicker adjustment in the new cultural environment. Another complication- I had 13-year-old daughter- I had to provide for her. My first good luck was to meet Robert Simpson. I auditioned to his choir at the Saint Phillip’s Cathedral (Atlanta, GA). Robert stroke me as a wonderful musician. My second good luck -he offered me a weekly ride to the church (I didn’t drive and didn’t have a car). My life now would be completely different if it wasn’t for those two good lucks. Talking in the car every week led to a friendship and love. Singing in the choir of St. Phillips brought back my confidence, hopes, sped up my English learning. Even though I followed “reasonable people“ advice and tried to change my career (I enrolled in 2- year radiology technology program in Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta) and graduated with honors.) However, I never grew to like my new profession and was so happy when I got my first teaching position upon moving to Houston in 1994.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In 2000, I was accepted as a full-time Chorus Program Director at Parker Elementary Magnet School for Music. I have founded a chorus program there that grew from 30 to 200 students. Parker Music Program received Grammy Award in 2002. In 2006 I was voted a Teacher of the Year by my colleagues at Parker Elementary. Parker Chorus is a winner of the Amercian Prize National Competition among Youth Choirs; it performed in many distinguished places such as America Choral Directors Association Convention, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, collaborated with the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Grammy Award Winner Houston Chamber Choir. Parker Chorus received Best in Show Awards in the American Classics Chorus Festival, collaborated with the world renown vocal ensemble VOCES8
In 2006 I founded the Treble Choir of Houston, the vocal ensemble for girls, age 11-18. Our motto: Helping Young Women Find Their Voice. Treble Choir performed in Carnegie Hall was a part of the International Choral Festival in Canada, collaborated with the Houston Symphony and Texas Music Festival. Treble Choir annual performances with the Grammy Award Winner Houston Chamber Choir at the Villa De Matel has always been a highlight. In collaboration with the Houston Chamber Choir, Treble Choir has recorded a CD, CIRCLRSONG, that was released on Signum Classics Label in February 2023.
I am proud of all my students who graduated from Parker and Treble Choirs. Among them – many great professional musicians, writers, artists, scientists, engineers.
What sets me apart from others? I don’t think I would put it this way. I know many of my colleagues who are excellent musicians and teachers. All I know about myself is that: I passionately love choral music and with the same passion I love children. These two passions came together and enlightened my heart long time ago. I am fortunate to be awarded the opportunity of implementing my calling in the United States of America.
I have another passion-singing, performing.
I am very proud to be a singer and a founding member of the Houston Chamber Choir, a Grammy Award winner professional ensemble of 29 years. Robert and I started it in 1995.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is not something that I know how to do. What worked for me in my career, is learning from my fellow musicians. I am fortunate to meet them at the festivals and conferences.
My best mentor is Robert Simpson, the founder and artistic director of the Houston Chamber Choir.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.treblechoir.com
