Member Name


Member Name:	Elizabeth Smith
Year Joined Community Band:	Officially 2005…I played clarinet a few summers ago for 1 or 2 concerts….
Spouse / Sig Other, Children:	Charlie (a.k.a. Chuck!)
Work / Profession (if retired, former):	Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher (and Newlywed!)
Personal Pursuits: (such as: sports/recreation, volunteer work, hobbies, crafts, family activities, special accomplishments)	Softball, Scrapbooking, Photography, Travel
Music Background: (such as: your start, experience, education, mentor, inspiration, interesting or humorous personal story, accomplishments)	I started playing flute at the age of 7 years old, now 20 years later (despite the traumatic experience of falling off the stage in a 5^th grade band rehearsal) still love it just as much! In my hometown of Buffalo, I studied with Joe Godios, Linda Fusani, and Christine Bailey (principal flute, BPO). My high school band director, Steve Shewan was amazing and inspired me to become a music teacher. By my senior year I was playing flute and piccolo in the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, tenor sax in the Jazz Ensemble, and trombone in the Concert Band and Concert Jazz Band. In 1996, I graduated from Williamsville East HS and began to study with Diane Smith (RPO) while at Roberts Wesleyan College. While pursuing my degree, in addition to wind ensemble and orchestra, I continued to perform in the Jazz Band on flute and saxophone. Since graduating from RWC, I have taught part time in Webster teaching general music and at Pittsford Mendon HS directing the concert band and concert jazz band. I am currently teaching the 7^th and 8^th grade bands at Thomas C. Armstrong Middle School in the Wayne Central School District. I have also been the vocal and pit director for the Middle School musical both last year (Annie) and this year (Sound of Music). This is my third year teaching in Wayne and most recently received my tenure. Within the next year I plan to finish my Master’s Degree in Music Education at Nazareth College. I am very blessed to have the most fantastic middle school students who make my job lots of fun each day….I wouldn’t trade them for anything!
Other Bands Play(ed) With:	Various pit orchestras in the area
What you most enjoy, or find especially fulfilling, about being a part of Community Band:	I LOVE being able to play my instrument and make my own music again! I haven’t been able to do that since college.
Of the music we play, is there a type or piece that is your favorite:	I really enjoy playing intense 20^th century mixed meter pieces…I enjoy a good challenge!