Drake Smith
Composer, Arranger, Trombonist, Educator

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Mr. Smith studied trombone with Harold Steiman and Robert Hamrick III of the Pittsburgh Symphony. He began arranging and orchestrating music at the age of 15. In 1982 at the University of Pittsburgh he was awarded a Chancellor's Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship and taught jazz arranging for a semester.

He then transferred to the University of Bridgeport studying jazz composition and arranging with Bill Finegan. In 1985 Mr. Smith was the Pressor Foundation Scholar, the highest award given to music majors at U.B. He continued his trombone studies with "Moe" Snyder and jazz legend Eddie Bert. In 1986 he was commissioned by the University and premiered his composition "Impressions For Orchestra". Mr. Smith holds a Bachelors of Music from the University of Bridgeport and an MBA from the University of New Haven.

As a jazz arranger, composer, and band leader, Drake Smith's work has been featured by such noted jazz artists as The Count Basie Orchestra, Eddie Bert, Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, Benny Bailey, Donald Byrd, Geri Allen, Joe Harris, Charlie Persip, and Terry Clarke. He has written hundreds of arrangements for ensembles of all sizes, ranging from pop to classical styles.

As an educator Mr. Smith has given numerous educational clinics in the areas of jazz history, jazz improvisation, jazz trombone, arranging and orchestration. His trombone students have achieved Regional and All-State levels and many have gone on as music majors in prominent colleges and universities. He has also appeared as a guest many times on local jazz radio programs discussing various eras and styles of jazz and extensive exploration of associated historically significant recordings.

His critically acclaimed arrangements for blues artist Jesse "Wild Bill" Austin can be found on the two top ten charted blues albums "Steel Trap" and "Baby's Back" and have been heard by millions as bumper music for the "Rush Limbaugh Show.

Past projects included: Musical Director of the "New Haven Jazz Orchestra" and the 10 piece "Jazz Stars Orchestra", transcriptions and recreating period pieces of Billie Holliday's repertoire, transcriptions of the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band, producing and arranging "City Mainstream" an Alcalgar CD release for jazz composer Al Thompson Jr. In August 2008 his "The Jazz Symphony" was premiered by the "The New Haven Jazz Orchestra" at the New Haven Jazz Festival.

Currently Mr. Smith can be found coaching young jazz musicians at the Shoreline Jazz Collective in Guilford CT. He is also busy arranging and orchestrating music for a concert of classic rock featuring a full choir and orchestra. He teaches privately throughout Connecticut and can be found playing throughout the tri-state area in myriad musical styles, ensembles and venues.