Mark J. Connor, Composer
  • About
    • Biography
    • Testimonials
    • EPK
  • Music
  • Collaborate
    • Commissions
    • CSIC Orchestra Commission
  • Blog
  • EB Podcast
  • Contact

Everything Band: Episode 14 - Blair Smith

6/26/2017

Comments

 
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.
​
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.
Comments
    Picture

    About

    A podcast featuring conversations with teachers, composers, and performers of music for winds and percussion.

    Everything Band is a member of the Music Teacher Development Podcast Network. The MuTed network provides support in the form of audio on demand programming designed by and for music educators. You can find more information about our network at mutedpodcasts.com

    Picture
    The Everything Band Podcast is proud to partner with Kaleidoscope Adventures.

    Categories

    All
    2017 Midwest Clinic
    2018 Midwest Clinic
    2018 TMEA Convention
    2019 Midwest Clinic
    Advocacy
    Authors
    Beginners
    Composers
    Conductors
    Historians
    Jazz Education
    Marching Arts
    Middle School
    Military Bands
    Performers
    Publishers
    Retailers

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017

    Listen on Google Play Music
    Picture

    RSS Feed

Site and contents copyright © 2020 Mark J. Connor. All rights reserved.
  • About
    • Biography
    • Testimonials
    • EPK
  • Music
  • Collaborate
    • Commissions
    • CSIC Orchestra Commission
  • Blog
  • EB Podcast
  • Contact