Drake Smith
Composer, Arranger, Trombonist, Educator

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Mr. Smith studied trombone with Bill McGlaughlin, 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 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 featured such noted jazz artists as The Count Basie Orchestra, Eddie Bert, Conrad Herwig, 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 extensively exploring 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 include: 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, transcription and performance of the “Birth of the Cool” recordings and transcriptions of the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band. Mr. Smith produced and arranged “City Mainstream” an Alcalgar CD release for jazz composer Al Thompson Jr. In August 2008 at the New Haven Jazz Festival, he premiered his composition “The Jazz Symphony”. Most recently Mr. Smith arranged twelve classic Rock ‘n’ Roll hits for full choir, orchestra, vocalists and rock band for a concert presented in Woolsey Hall at Yale University.

Mr. Smith plays throughout the tri-state area in myriad musical styles, ensembles and venues He has played with many great artists including Joe Williams, Steve Davis, Bill Watrous, Arturo O'Farril, Chad and Jeremy, Jan and Dean and the Surf City All-Stars and The Nelson Riddle Orchestra.

Currently Mr. Smith teaches music privately throughout Connecticut. He coaches the jazz trombone players at Bristol Eastern High School. Mr. Smith also conducts the Community Jazz Ensemble and coaches the trombone players at the Shoreline Jazz Collective in Guilford CT.

"Mr. Smith holds a Bachelors of Music from the University of Bridgeport and an MBA from the University of New Haven."