Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 24, 1958 in Fort Rucker, AL

 

Robert W. Smith is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his contributions to the world of concert band and orchestral music. Born on October 21, 1958, in Daleville, Alabama, Smith grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a high school band director, and his mother was a piano teacher. Smith's early exposure to music and his family's musical background played a significant role in shaping his career as a composer. Smith's interest in music began at a young age, and he started playing the piano when he was just five years old. He later learned to play the trumpet and the French horn, and he played in his high school band. After graduating from high school, Smith attended Troy University in Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He later went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Smith's career as a composer began in the early 1980s when he started writing music for his high school band. His first published work was "The Maelstrom," which was published in 1983. Since then, Smith has composed over 600 works for concert band, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. His compositions have been performed by some of the world's most prestigious ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, and the United States Marine Band. One of Smith's most famous works is "The Divine Comedy," a three-movement symphony based on Dante's epic poem of the same name. The piece was commissioned by the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble and premiered in 1996. The work has since been performed by numerous ensembles around the world and has become a staple of the concert band repertoire. Another notable work by Smith is "Infinite Hope," a tribute to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The piece was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band and premiered in 2002. The work is a powerful and emotional tribute to the victims of the attacks and has been performed at numerous memorial services and events. Smith's compositions are known for their innovative use of orchestration and their ability to evoke powerful emotions in listeners. His works often incorporate elements of popular music, such as rock and jazz, and he is known for his ability to blend these styles seamlessly with classical music. In addition to his work as a composer, Smith is also a sought-after conductor and educator. He has conducted numerous ensembles around the world, including the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, the United States Marine Band, and the All-Japan Band. He has also served as a guest conductor and clinician at numerous universities and music festivals. Smith's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has received the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Wind Band Music, the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity's Outstanding Bandmaster Award, and the National Band Association's AWAPA Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Wind Band. In conclusion, Robert W. Smith is a highly respected composer, conductor, and educator in the world of classical music. His innovative compositions and arrangements have earned him a place among the most influential composers of his generation.

More....