From before he can remember, Simon was immersed in the sounds of jazz and classical trumpet artists such as Maynard Ferguson and Maurice André. Murray also ensured a lifelong suffering allegiance to the Essendon Football Club.

Like many brass players in the country, it was through a brass band in his hometown of Bendigo that Simon began his own musical journey. Nearly 40 years and a couple of education degrees later, both big band and orchestral music remain central to his identity. While he might still get a game for Essendon, given their current form, his real passion lies in passing on a love of music to his students.

A pivotal influence came in 1994, when Simon met Monte Mumford OAM. A mentor and enduring friend, Monte instilled in him a commitment to excellence, integrity, and leadership on the podium.

As a conductor, Simon has worked with outstanding organisations including Box Hill City Brass Band, Melbourne Youth Orchestras, State Music Camp, the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association and, of course, Border Music Camp. His first Camp was in 2014, conducting Alexander, and he first conducted Davis in 2018.

He is a sessional lecturer at the University of Melbourne and Head of Brass at Caulfield Grammar School, and has been lucky to conduct in venues ranging from Hamer Hall to the Wiener Konzerthaus, the Goldener Saal at the Musikverein, and Smetana Hall in Prague.

Above all, while following the Essendon Football Club contains many life lessons, Simon believes teachers are in the human potential business and music is a powerful means to develop it.