Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 24, 1958 in Fort Rucker, AL

Genre

:

Band

 

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. After completing his education, Smith began his career as a music educator. He taught at various schools in Alabama and Georgia, and he also served as a band director at several high schools. During this time, Smith continued to compose music, and his works began to gain recognition in the music world. One of Smith's early compositions, "Inchon," was inspired by the Korean War and was written for concert band. The piece was premiered in 1986 by the Troy State University Symphony Band, and it received critical acclaim. "Inchon" was later recorded by the United States Marine Band and was featured on their album "The Legacy of John Philip Sousa, Vol. 2." Smith's success as a composer continued to grow, and he became known for his ability to write music that was both challenging and accessible to young musicians. His works for concert band, such as "The Great Locomotive Chase" and "Into the Storm," have become staples in the repertoire of high school and college bands. In addition to his works for concert band, Smith has also composed music for orchestra, choir, and chamber ensembles. His orchestral works include "The Divine Comedy," a three-movement symphony based on Dante's epic poem, and "Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual," a tone poem that celebrates the music and culture of Africa. Smith's choral works include "The Testament of Freedom," a setting of four texts by Thomas Jefferson, and "Festival Fanfare for Christmas," a festive piece for choir and brass ensemble. His chamber music works include "Danza de los Duendes," a lively piece for flute and guitar, and "The Tempest," a suite for brass quintet based on Shakespeare's play. Smith's music has been performed by some of the world's leading ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the United States Army Band. He has also been commissioned to write music for special events, such as the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In addition to his work as a composer, Smith is also a sought-after clinician and conductor. He has conducted numerous all-state and honor bands, and he has served as a guest conductor for many professional ensembles. He is also a frequent presenter at music education conferences and workshops, where he shares his expertise on music composition and performance. Smith's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

More....