Latest news

Promising Skies

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:16:34 -0500

In late August of 2005, the normally festive skies over the city of New Orleans began to change. As Hurricane Katrina approached the city, the skies promised a weather event of unprecedented proportions. Composer Robert W. Smith was commissioned by the United State Marine Forces Reserve Band of New Orleans to create this symphonic tone poem recreating and commemorating the Katrina experience. Beginning with "Blue Sky," the jazz of the historic city provides the musical inspiration. Soon, the "Threatening Sky" arrives giving way to the "Raging Sky." Finally, the "Dawn of a New Sky" brings hope as the city is reborn to share its musical gifts once again.
I wrote "Promising Skies" as a large programmatic work for concert band. It is written at the medium advanced level. I used the unique American art form of jazz as its base along with unusual percussive effects in an effort to create a truly unique experience for your ensemble and audience. I hope that you find it to be a worthy addition to the repertoire.

For more information, visit OPUS III Wind Orchestra Publications at the C.L. Barnhouse Co. HERE.

Symphony no. 3 “Don Quixote” Now Available

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:00:32 -0500

Symphony No. 3 “Don Quixote” is now available through Walking Frog Records. In addition to the title piece, the recording features “Gemeinhardt Suite”, “Fiesta La Vida” and a live recording of “The Divine Comedy” as performed by the Symphony Band of Unio Musical de Lliria in Valencia, Spain. To preview and order the CD recording, click HERE.

The printed music for Symphony No. 3 “Don Quixote” is available through Opus III Wind Orchestra Publications (exclusively distributed by C.L. Barnhouse). Click HERE to visit the Opus III website and hear excerpts of the new composition.

NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM AT TROY UNIVERSITY

Wed, 14 May 2008 20:37:34 -0500

I’m pleased to announce a new graduate program in Troy University’s School of Music. For those that wish to study composition, arranging, studio production, publishing and other music business-related fields, a Master of Science in Post-Secondary Education with a focus in Music Industry is now “on the books” for the fall semester of 2008. For further information, please email musicindustry@troy.edu.

In addition, I am searching for a graduate assistant beginning in January of 2009. For anyone wishing to study privately with me at the masters level, this is an opportunity for work experience and compensation as you work towards your masters degree. For further information on the graduate assistant’s position, please email musicindustry@troy.edu.

Best wishes!

RWS

Unique Music Industry Opportunity for Students - April 11-12, 2008

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 17:36:49 -0600

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I’m pleased to announce a new event at Troy University that is a unique opportunity for music students who have career goals in the music industry. The SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES MUSIC INDUSTRY SHOWCASE is the only event of its type in the United States. In addition to clinics and performances, talented students have the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of industry professionals.

If your career goals include one of the following, you may wish to join us for the Showcase on April 11-12, 2008:

Recording Artist
Producer
Engineer
Songwriter
Composer/Arranger
Record Company Executive
Publisher
Artist Manager
Concert Promoter
Etc.

Please visit the event website at http://web.mac.com/muitroy/iWeb/showcase/ for more information. Please pass on this information to all you think may be interested.

I look forward to seeing you there. Take care!

RWS

Music available on iTunes

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:49:38 -0600

"The Divine Comedy" and "Inchon" CDs are now available on iTunes. Visit Apple's online iTunes store and search for "Robert W. Smith".

In addition, you will find select individual tracks including "Songs of Sailor and Sea" as recorded by the United States Navy Band and "Jingle Bells Forever" as recorded by the Boston Brass.