Geoffrey Thomas Sims

Starting french horn in 6th grade in Bryant, Arkansas, Geoffrey knew right away that the horn was the right fit for him. After attending two band camps over the next two summers, his love for music and performance grew deeper. Eventually, he found his first tutor in 9th grade and began studying under David Renfro, who introduced him to the greater world of horn playing and challenged him to new heights. Working hard to develop his craft and strengthen his skills, he eventually was accepted into a week-long intensive horn clinic at Interlochen in Michigan and felt a deeper sense of resolve to continue his passion after coming in contact with other incredible players his age. By the end of his junior year, he had been an all-state musician for two years with the most recent being in the top five chairs, performed in the pit orchestra in two musicals with his high school theater, been a member of the Arkansas Symphony Youth orchestra for two years and become principal horn his second year, won the brass division of the Stella Boyle Smith young artist solo competition, and was accepted in Brevard’s summer music festival at half-price. As the pandemic hit, many opportunities were lost and his father fell ill with cancer. By the time college auditions rolled around, he had lost his senior year and his father, but was determined to continue forth and perform for himself and everyone who supported him thus far. He currently is studying at the University of Memphis as a freshman in Robert Fant’s studio and is thriving. He is pursuing a degree in french horn performance and wishes to share his love of the fine arts with the rest of the world, hoping to travel the world as a soloist and in an orchestra and someday inspire other young artists.

You can find Geoffrey’s 2022 Winter Music Competition french horn performance here.