MusicSmythe:biography

pooJoanna and Papa Henry on his 80th birthdaykyp

David Smith

From the age of 14 Dave has performed in many types of musical groups: symphonic band, choral, gospel quartets, big band, pop, and jazz. He 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, Education and is an alumnus of Don Davis' prestigious Syn-Aud-Con. Dave is bassist, guitarist and sound technician for MusicSmythe. He teaches online for WPCC and Isothermal.

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, Chorus, Music Appreciation and American Music at Caldwell Community College. She had studied Jazz piano with Dave Brubeck's associate, Dr. John Salmon, UNCG. Rhonda is the Music Director for 1st United Methodist Church, Hickory, NC, online instructor at ICC, and pianist par excellence for MusicSmythe.



MUSICSMYTHE
MusicSmythe


is one family of multi-talented, multi-instrumentalists.
The group focus is on themusic of 20th Century America,
from the late 30s through the 70s. They specialize in the musical
styles of the great girl groups: the Andrews Sisters,
the McGuire Sisters, the Crystals, the Vandellas
and the Chordettes. 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.
(828.728.5494) or


dave.musicsmythe@charter.net

Josh (28)

Josh is percussionist for MusicSmythe. He holds a dual Associate degree in Fine Arts/Arts and Sciences from CCC&TI and a B. A. from ASU with a major in English & minor in Music. He has studied piano, mallet percussion and trap set. He was the Jazz 1 drummer at Cannon Music Camp 2001 and the Jazz II college ensemble drummer at ASU 2004-2005. Josh teaches Senior and AP English at Hoke Co. High School.

Jessica (26)

Jess has played piano since age five. She has attended Greensboroand Cannon Music Camps (Jazz I pianist) for voice/piano. She studied piano 4 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 holds an A.A., A.S., & A.F.A. from CCC&TI and B. S. in Engineering from UNCC.  She works for NC State.

Judith (24)

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 II / 2002, Jazz I & II / 2003 & 2004 and soloists in Jazz Vocal 2002 & 2003 at Cannon Music Camp. Judith has studied voice, acoustic bass, electric bass, and piano. She holds an A. F. A. in Music &  A. A. from CCC&TI, B. S. in Music Education, B. A. in English from ASU, and M. A. in Library Science from Florida State. Currently she's a writer and stay at home mom.
 
Joanna (22)

Jo sang before she could talk. Now she is second soprano and the woodwind specialist of the group. She was First Tenor Sax / Jazz II and Jazz Vocal soloist 2003, 1st chair Tenor / Symphonic Band, 2nd Tenor / Jazz I 2004 & flute, 2005 at Cannon Music Camp. She holds a A. A., A. F. A., and certificate in B.L.E.T. from CCC&TI, and a B. S. in Criminal Justice from ASU. Officer Joanna works for Hickory PD.