Everything Band: Episode 14 - Blair Smith

A longtime band director in the state of North Carolina, Blair Smith joins the podcast to discuss his career building relationships and finding balance.

Topics:

• Blair's background
• Commissioning composers, Sean O'Loughlin's pants, and the David Holsinger bedroom
• Networking and how to properly use your state conference to build relationships
• Advice for young band directors
• His second career at Digital Performance Gear
• Parallels between golf and music

Links:

• Digital Performance Gear
• Mahler/Reynolds - Finale from Symphony No. 3
• Claude T. Smith - Entrada, Adoration, and Praise

Biography:
Blair Smith recently retired after 30 years of service to the North Carolina public education system. His final 25 years was at Central Cabarrus HS and Jay M. Robinson HS. Blair is from Mechanicsville, VA. He began his 30-year teaching career at Chaloner MS in Roanoke Rapids. He moved to Central Cabarrus in 1991.

Mr. Smith’s concert bands have performed under numerous national educators. His bands have received Superior ratings at all grade levels as well as commissioning and premiering several compositions. His Wind Ensemble performed at the NC Music Educator’s Conference in 1997. More than 20 of his former students have continued to become music educators.
His marching bands have received Superior and 1st place ratings. As a prominent BOA participant, his bands were consistent finalists. His 1991 Central Cabarrus Band was the last NC band to make finals at BOA Grand Nationals.
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He is a member of ASBDA, PAS and NBA. Mr. Smith is past-president for the NC Chapter of the National Band Association, He is the past chairman of the SC District Bandmasters Assoc. Mr. Smith received the Award of Excellence from the NC Bandmasters Association in 2007. He is an active clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor.

Blair currently work for Digital Performance Gear which specializes in designing uniforms and equipment for the pageantry arts. Mr. Smith is married to Linda Smith and they have two sons Aaron and Drew. Mr. Smith is a solid 23 handicap golfer, but he is getting better.