Jason Smith
Director of Jazz Studies / Assistant Professor of Trumpet
Address
MSC 9385Building/Office: Oliver Band Hall (OLV) 118 Slot Number: 37
| A native of Calhoun, Louisiana, Jason Smith brings a dynamic passion to trumpet and music education. Mr. Smith distinguished himself as a professional trumpet player with the United States Air Force Band and has since expanded his influence in higher education music. Mr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from The University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he continued as a trumpet instructor and the director of the prestigious Jazz One at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Under his direction, Jazz One won the “Most Outstanding Big Band” award and seven individual student jazz awards at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival in 2019, recorded their first studio album called “The First Time Out,” and performed at the 75th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois in 2021.
Mr. Smith’s extensive knowledge of the big band genre led to his appointment as the musical director for the USAF Band of the West’s “Dimensions in Blue.” His programming and drive towards a fresh, contemporary sound enhanced the ensemble’s musical product to become comparable to the nation’s finest big bands. Mr. Smith also led as a road manager, finance manager, and assistant marketing director within the USAF Band program. After the Air Force, Mr. Smith joined the team from the 17th largest church in America, Community Bible Church, and was the director of marketing and orchestra manager for CBC Music. Mr. Smith is an accomplished clinician among many high school, college, and professional big bands and has taught privately across the US. He has performed with the renowned United States Air Force Band “Airmen of Note,” the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Dave Stall, Eddie Daniels, Eric Ewazen, Dwayne O’ Brien, The Miracles, The Food Network, The International Trumpet Guild, The Dayton Jazz Orchestra, The San Antonio Jazz Orchestra, and The Midwest Clinic. Mr. Smith’s musical talents can be heard on numerous musical recordings ranging from Big Band, Classical, and Christian Worship. Mr. Smith has traveled across the United States and five international countries, touring as a lead trumpet player and soloist for various concert, rock, and big bands. Mr. Smith’s mouthpieces are made by James R. New, and he plays on a CAROLBRASS – BMAC model trumpet. |
