Robert W. Smith

[ginnyqoa]

I've seen his name popping up over and over, especially in the middle school selections. And also in some arrangements of christmas pieces. Anyone know much about him?

[mbui]

Pretty big composer for wind band. His well known works include The Divine Comedy, Into the Storm, Africa: Ceremony, Song & Ritual, and Song of Sailor and Sea.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Smith

[Wildabeast]

He has written for marching band and drum corps as well. I think he's the Director of Bands at Troy State University. One of my favorite drum corps shows is his all-original show "A Florida Suite", first put on the field by Suncoast Sound in 1985.

[talltexan9]

He also wrote El Espiritu De Valencea a nice easy middle school march thats fun to play at least brass wise.

[bluebellbrass07]

He was just inducted into the DCI hall of fame. His work with suncoast sound is legendary. He was also just named the madison scouts new brass arranger a few days ago.

[mellopwn1]

It is impossible to go through a Texas Elementary and Middle School program and not play at least a handful of his pieces. Moving around the state like I have, and in the process attending 6 different elementary/middle schools back in the early 2000's, I think I've played...say...14? haha. It's ridiculous.

 

But he is good, as others have stated above.

Edited October 26, 2010 by mellopwn1

[Drummantx]

I like him.

[KlarinetteRed_64]

Pretty good compositions. In Texas, the music is played by at least two bands at each contest for middle schools. That's a TON of performances of his pieces. And it just so happens, that none of the bands that play his music get last place.

[dlwhitley2]

One of my favorite composers. Great guy he is very down to earth and love his music