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The hard work, the social atmosphere and the skills
students learn from teamwork is what being in band at Palmetto Senior
High School with band director Paul Smith is all about.
Palmetto High Director Paul Smith.
At Palmetto Senior, there are a number of different
bands to participate in, including a jazz band, concert band,
symphonic band and a marching band. Each offers students the
opportunity to perform.
From the beginning of the school year to the end of
the football season, marching band cheered on the football team. There
was a big holiday concert and the concert and symphonic bands
performed. The jazz band had two concerts during the year and
performed at a jazz festival.
"We try to stay focused and work hard,"
Smith said. "We're always preparing for the next
performance."
At the same time, the students have participated in community events
this year. At Bayfront Park, a small marching band played for the walk
for osteoporosis. The band also performed at Howard Drive Elementary
School for the dedication of the new wing.
Another part of the band experience is playing
multi-cultural music.
"It's important in general, but especially in our
community," Smith explained. The jazz band plays one or two
Latin songs at every event. This year the concert band learned a
Medley of Brazilian songs. The marching band plays Latin music, older
rhythm and blues music as well as playing original compositions from
students.
Smith believes band is a great social outlet for the
kids and marching band especially provides a unique atmosphere. For
two weeks prior to the beginning of the school year, students are
together each day for band camp preparing for the opening football
game. Band camp and the continued after school marching band practices
allow the students a great opportunity to make new friends.
Smith, a professional musician, brings a great deal of
experience to his job. He once toured with the Glen Miller Orchestra
as a trombonist.
"I had always planned that when I was ready to
stop going on tour that I would become a music teacher," he said.
Currently, Smith continues to perform professionally.
He is a member of the Jack Martino Orchestra, a jazz big band group,
and The Barry Mann Orchestra, a big band dance orchestra. Smith
performs often and recently played for the opening night of the
Miami-Dade County Youth Fair.
A native of Chicago, Smith graduated from De Paul
University with a bachelor's degree in music education. He is in his
third year of teaching at Palmetto Senior High.
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