Robert W. Smith - Biography

Biography

Smith was born in the small town of Daleville, Alabama on October 24 1958. He attended high school in Daleville, after which he left for Troy State University, where he played lead trumpet in the Sound of the South Marching Band. While at Troy, he studied composition with Dr. Paul Yoder.

Upon his graduation from Troy State with a Bachelor of Music Education degree, Smith pursued his musical career in South Florida, where he earned the Master's degree in Media Writing and Production from the University of Miami, while studying with Dr. Alfred Reed. He was soon hired by Columbia Pictures Publications and later Warner Bros./Belwin Publications. Smith's career with Warner Bros. continued until 2005, when it was bought out by Alfred Music Publishing.

In 1997, Smith returned to Troy, Alabama to become the Director of Bands at Troy State University, following the retirement of his old band director, Dr. Long. Smith would remain at Troy for four years, directing the Sound of the South Marching Band and the Symphony Band. In 2001, he left Troy to take a more full-time position with Warner Brothers Publications. His position with Warner since leaving Troy has taken him all over the world, acting as guest conductor and clinician with many ensembles, including the New Mexico All-State Small School band.

Smith's "New Day Rising" & "Don Quioxte" were nominated for the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards for Contemporary Classical Album.