Andrew Simonette

Mr. Andrew Simonette is currently the Graduate Assistant for the World Music Department at WVU where he is currently pursuing his Master’s in Musicology. A native of West Virginia originally from Parkersburg, he grew up in Canonsburg, PA where he attended school and participated in the band program.

Andrew returned to West Virginia in 2018 where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at West Virginia Univeristy in 2022. At WVU he studied classical and world percussion along with drum set with Professor George Willis, Dr. Michael Vercelli, and Professor Brian Wolfe. Andrew’s teaching background is diverse where he has worked both with K-12 and University students. He student taught in both the Monongalia County and Lewis County school districts, he gained and currently holds a professional teaching certification in Mon County. Within the county he taught a 2 week summer ukulele program at North Elementary. 

Outside of the school system, he has taught for BOPARC Wiles Hill Community Center offering a summer African Drum and Dance class to K-5 students. Within the University, Andrew served as the world music faculty member for the WVU Summer Percussion Academy working with middle and high school students. Andrew is also the primary instructor for the WVU Beginner Steel Band. 

Beyond that Andrew has taught private students since graduating high school. Andrew is also an active performer playing drum set, world percussion, and bass guitar in many different groups. His current gigs include Cassidy Paige, Lucien Schroyer Trio, and El Sabrason. Andrew is an alumni of the Pride of West Virginia, Fife and Drum Corp, World Music ensembles, and Wind Symphony. He has performed at international conventions such as the Percussive Arts Society with WVU ensembles. Andrew has also studied abroad in Switzerland (2019) and Ghana (2023 and 2024).