MusicSmythe Bio’s

David Smith

Dave began playing publicly at age 14 (bass guitar). From that time, he has performed in many types of musical groups: symphonic band, choral, gospel quartets, big band, pop, and jazz. Dave has studied brass, voice, piano and classical guitar. He has been involved in pro audio and electronics for 30 years. He holds advanced degrees in Humanities and is an alumnus of Don Davis’ prestigious Syn-Aud-Con. Dave is bassist, guitarist and sound technician for MusicSmythe. Dave teaches in the Humanities Division at Mitchell Community College.

Rhonda Smith

Rhonda began playing piano at age five under her mother's direction. She completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music with piano proficiency. She has been a professional organist since 1983 and holds certification from the American Guild of Organists. She has maintained a piano studio for nearly 25 years, performs weekly as organist and instructs in voice, piano, Music Appreciation and American Music at Caldwell Community College. She is pianist par excellence for MusicSmythe.

Joshuah Smith (23)

Josh is percussionist for MusicSmythe. He holds a dual Associate degree in Fine Arts/Arts and Sciences from CCC&TI. He has studied piano, mallet percussion and trap set. He was the Jazz 1 drummer at Cannon Music Camp 2001. Josh has a B. A. from ASU with a major in English and minor in Music. He works at Granite Falls Middle School as a reading instructor.

Jessica Smith (20)

Jess has played piano since age five. She has attended Greensboro and Canon Music Camps (Jazz I pianist) for voice/piano. She studied piano 2 years under John Cheek and mallet percussion for two years in LRPP with Rick Cline. Jessica sings alto, plays keyboards, xylophone, and vibes for MusicSmythe. She is an Engineering major at UNC-Charlotte.

Judith (19)

Judith enjoys singing high and playing low. She is lead vocalist and plays bass for MusicSmythe. She has won awards and scholarships for vocals and was bassist for Jazz I & II and soloists in Jazz Vocal 2002-2004 at Cannon Music Camp. Judith has studied voice, acoustic bass, electric bass, violin and piano. She attends CCC&TI.

Joanna Smith (17)

Jo sang before she could talk. She could vocalize tunes before she could pronounce words. She is the woodwind specialist of the group. Along with singing second soprano, she plays flute, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, clarinet, recorders, penny whistles and anything else with a reed. She has studied flute, sax, trumpet, voice and piano. She also knows how to set up the stuff! She was Tenor Sax / Jazz I& II and Jazz Vocal soloist at Cannon Music Camp 2003-2005.

MusicSmythe is one family of multi-talented, multi-instrumentalists. The group’s focus is on the music of 20th Century America, from the late 30’s through the 70’s. They specialize in the musical styles of the great girl groups: the Andrews Sisters, the McGuire Sisters, the Crystals, the Vandella’s and the Supremes. They perform swing tunes, jazz standards, early Rock n Roll, Blues, R & B, and Gospel. MusicSmythe has performed in venues from Wilmington, NC to Atlanta, GA at Country Clubs, Festivals, Retirement Centers, Restaurants, corporate functions, and private receptions. The band is especially suited for any occasion where the whole family may attend: reunions, parties, Senior Citizen’s groups, Church picnics, fairs, festivals, civic groups and family/neighborhood gatherings.