Around the Sound Community Band

Dr. Marcus J. Pimpleton

Dr. Marcus J. Pimpleton is an award-winning teacher and instructional leader committed to ensuring equitable access to high quality music-making and performing opportunities for students of all ages.

His love of band began the summer following his 8th grade year when he joined the Seattle Schools All-City Marching Band as a trombone player. The following summer he took up drum majoring and was immediately hooked. Following the advice of a mentor who said choose a career you would do for free if money were not an issue, he went on to major in music education at the University of Washington, playing trombone in the symphonic, jazz, and marching bands and serving three years as drum major for the Husky Marching Band.

Upon graduating from University, he served one year as Assistant Director for the Seattle All-City Band before assuming the role of director in 2003. From 2002 to 2015 he served as the Director of Bands and Music Department Chair at his alma maters – Denny International Middle School and later Chief Sealth International High School – as well as a brief stint as the concert and marching band director at Garfield High School where he directed the pit orchestra for their award-winning production of the musical Cabaret. In 2015, Dr. Pimpleton transitioned away from full time music teaching to pursue school leadership opportunities.

As an educational leader Dr. Pimpleton endeavors to ensure that all students receive an exemplary education that prepares them for success in college, career, community, and life. He served as an assistant principal in the Bellevue and Seattle School Districts and as a principal and executive director in the Quincy and Yakima School Districts before his present role as Executive Director of Secondary Schools for the Marysville School District, where he supervises, supports, and provides professional development for their middle and high school principals.

Dr. Pimpleton is a past recipient of the Washington Association of School Administrator’s Howard M. Coble Scholarship which honors underrepresented leaders preparing for central office roles. Additional honors he has received include a Washington State Golden Apple Award from KCTS and the Phillip B. Swain Excellence in Teaching Award from the A+ Alliance for Education. A Husky to the core, he completed his music education training at the University of Washington in 2002 with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees; his principal training in 2015 with a Master of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with principal certification; and his Doctor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a superintendent credential in 2021. Alongside his studies at the University of Washington, Dr. Pimpleton also pursued seminary training at the Hardy Academy of Theology where he earned a Master of Theology in 2008 and a Doctor of Ministry with emphasis in Religious Education in 2010.

Outside of his “day job”, Dr. Pimpleton continues to serve as Director and Program Coordinator for the Seattle Schools All-City Marching Band and as an Assistant Director with the University of Washington Husky Athletic Bands. He is beyond excited to get his concert band fix as the Director of The Around the Sound Community Band.