MICHELLE MAESTAS SIMONSEN
Short Bio:
USC 2x Alumna, Southern California based, Leader, Team Builder, Director of Operations & Concerts, Live Music Production Stage Manager, Saxophonist, Voice over artist, Executive Producer of live music and special events, podcaster, Connection-Maker, Lifestyle-Taste-maker, Writer, Executive creative director of pretty in pasadena, social media darling, pasadena micro-local celebrity, Life-Student, Mentor, Educator, Musician, Golf Enthusiast, Devoted Wife, dog mom, Coffee & wine Lover
My mission in life is to be an excellent role model, especially for women and girls of color. We all play a role in lifting each other up and moving forward.
I believe we become who we are from accessible people in our lives who inspire and encourage us. Representation matters.
Playing and listening to music changed my life and shaped my direction and views. I strongly believe in arts education and advocate for it whenever possible.
LIVE MUSIC CONCERT PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE
Dynamic, accomplished, and industry-savvy Venue Operations and Production Director highly regarded for 15 years of progressive experience delivering top-tier concerts and events for industry leaders, including The Walt Disney Company and the University of Southern California. Proven track record of expertly managing multiple production operations simultaneously without sacrificing quality or efficiency, including labor planning, budget management, and facility capital projects. Respected as a motivational leader and influential collaborator who guides team members to achieve demanding performance targets under strict budget and time constraints. Builds and maintains lasting relationships with colleagues, leadership, and vendors, driving company objectives through a people-focused approach. Exemplary educational qualifications include a Master of Communication Management from the University of Southern California. Out-of-the-box thinker committed to continuously improving operations and streamlining workflows to enhance productivity, maximize safety, and optimize guest satisfaction.
Director of Concerts & Production & Operations, Executive Producer of Special Event Music, and Chief Emergency Officer, USC Thornton School of Music
Treasurer, Thornton Staff Council 2021-22
Director of Production, Piatigorsky International Cello Festival, 2020, 2016 & 2012
Executive Producer, Special events & concerts for USC Thornton School of Music, live broadcasts with KUSC and MET Opera
recent events: USC University Village Opening Gala, USC Trustees Conferences, USC Widney Galas, USC Thornton Charles Dickens Dinners, KUSC Celebrating Zev, special concerts featuring prominent artists everyone from Steve Miller, Yo-Yo Ma to the Beach Boys and Elton John, West Side Story & Popular Music evening for USC Trustees
VOICE OVER AND PODCAST WORK
Since 2016, Michelle Simonsen’s voice has become one of the most recognizable voices in the Marching Arts stadiums. This Voice Acting work is designed to amplify the storylines with Marching Band Shows that are performed in various High School Competitions.
Michelle first fell in love with radio and announcing when she was a child and had the opportunity to record ads for local radio Q99.7 in Wasilla, AK. Later she had the opportunity to host an evening hour with other children in her class that were interested in radio.
Hosting a podcast and interviewing local business owners, personalities, and inspiring people in Pasadena was quite a bit of fun with the Pretty in Pasadena Podcast.
Michelle is always looking for more opportunities for Voice Over Acting and Announcing.
Visit my LinkedIn Profile for more Professional Endeavors & Details!
saxophone
Michelle Maestas Simonsen is an alum of the international arts school Interlochen Arts Academy and the USC Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles. She is a professionally trained saxophonist holding a degree in saxophone performance with major jazz and pop influences. Michelle studied with great players including Bill Sears, Kim Richmond, Bob Sheppard, Jim Rötter, Don Sinta, Jason Goldman and many others. Based in Los Angeles she produces many annual concerts and plays pop and commercial music. Her bands and horn sections are seen all over Southern California. Notably, the Red Light Brass Band released new album Bullhorn Funk vol. 2 in 2022, a holiday EP December 2018, Bullhorn Funk released in 2019. RLBB is looking forward to its 5th season with the Orange County Fair and a number of annual corporate performances. Another ensemble, West Coast Edition recently opened the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. She can also be heard on the 2019 newly released Visions album by Madame Gandhi. Michelle’s horn sections mixed and all-female have been seen and heard all over Los Angeles. She also is seen playing with DJs from Los Angeles to San Diego to Las Vegas.
Simonsen Sounds (full service consulting and live ensemble booking for events)
West Coast Edition (Event, Party, Corporate Band)
Red Light Brass Band (Events, Parades, Concerts)
PRETTY IN PASADENA
My passion project was born from some of the amazing places, and things to do in my local city, Pasadena! Blog, Podcast, Social Media presence, Volunteering for local nonprofits keeps this fun project rolling. I feel so lucky to get to share my favorite places, my artwork, and my life with the audience.
Learn more about it at PrettyinPasadena.com
Original Artwork, Sketches, Series, and Commissions
One of my favorite things to do outside of playing and producing music and events - is drawing and painting. I’ve been sketching and drawing since I could hold something in my hand, and I’ve got my grandma (she was a professional Chinese brush painting artist) to thank for all of it. I also did some study in design, and maybe a little three-dimensional art and sculpture, and a few other little things in college, but hey, it stuck and here I am. I’ve been routinely asked for commissions and projects throughout the years and now I’m putting it all online. You can check out my shop here. You can request a drawing commission here. And you can check out my “I see. I hear. I draw.” series here.
Giving back to the community:
Founding board member of the USC Society of Trojan Women, formed in 2013, a USC Women's Philanthropy that combined the two historic groups Trojan Junior Auxiliary and Town & Gown Jr. League of Los Angeles. Two years later in 2015, Town & Gown Jr. League of Orange County also committed to join with USC STW and 2 scholarship endowments were formed to give to students at USC annually. Proud to have helped combined the groups and get two endowments set-up for student scholarships (over $200,000).
2020-2022 Volunteer with Friends Indeed with public artwork in the community
2019- 2021 Active Member of Junior League of Pasadena
2017-19 Junior League of Pasadena Marketing Chair
2016-17 Junior League of Pasadena Active Member, Provisional Committee
2016-17 USC Alumnae Coordinating Council Communications Chair
2014-16 USC STW Board Member serving as the Marketing Chair
2015-16 USC Alumnae Coordinating Council Secretary
2015 USC Women's Conference Host Committee member
Former President of USC Trojan Junior Auxiliary 2012-13, Women's Philanthropic Organization, since 1936.
Serving on the Advisory Committee for the USC Thornton Alumni Association former Treasurer 2012-14, Secretary 2010-12
MEET ME ON INSTAGRAM you can see all my projects @themichellesimonsen @michellesaxophone @prettyinpasadena @linesbymichelle