Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1932 in Missouri

Death

:

1987

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

Claude T. Smith was an American composer of classical music, known for his contributions to the wind band repertoire. He was born on October 14, 1932, in Monroe, Louisiana, and grew up in the small town of Sarepta, Louisiana. His parents were both musicians, and his father was the band director at the local high school. Smith began playing the trumpet at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Smith attended Louisiana Tech University, where he studied music education and composition. He played in the university's marching band and concert band and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity. After graduating in 1954, he began his career as a band director, teaching at several high schools in Louisiana and Texas. In the 1960s, Smith began to focus more on composing music for wind bands. He wrote his first published work, "Emperata Overture," in 1965, which quickly became popular among high school and college bands. This success led to more commissions and opportunities to write for larger ensembles. One of Smith's most famous works is "Incidental Suite," which was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band in 1971. The piece is a collection of five movements, each inspired by a different scene or emotion. The suite has been performed by numerous wind bands around the world and is considered a staple of the repertoire. Smith's other notable works include "Festival Variations," "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," and "Flight." He was known for his ability to write music that was both challenging and accessible to student musicians. His compositions often featured intricate rhythms and harmonies, as well as memorable melodies. In addition to his work as a composer, Smith was also a respected educator and conductor. He taught at several universities, including the University of Kansas and Troy University, and was a frequent guest conductor for wind bands across the country. Smith passed away on January 13, 1987, at the age of 54. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by musicians and audiences alike. He was posthumously inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Overall, Claude T. Smith was a talented composer and musician who made significant contributions to the wind band repertoire. His music remains popular and influential today, and his dedication to education and performance has inspired countless musicians and conductors.

More....