Staff

Rob Smith

Assistant Professor of Jazz StudiesRob Smith

Rob Smith, assistant professor of jazz studies at Central Michigan University, graduated from Central Michigan University in 1986. He went on to earn a master of music in jazz studies degree from the University of North Texas (1989), where he performed in the world-renowned One O’Clock Lab Band, and can be heard on recordings from 1987-1989. Most recently, Smith held a faculty position at The University of North Carolina-Greensboro, the Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program (2004-05). He also taught at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada (1991-93, 97), Michigan State University (1994-97), Mott Community College (1995-97), Interlochen Center for the Arts (2000), and Central Michigan University (2000-04). Smith performs regularly on trumpet and saxophones throughout the United States, Canada and Europe with several notable jazz groups, including: The Woody Herman Jazz Orchestra, The Kirk MacDonald Quintet, The Steve Haines Quintet, The Jeff Haas Trio & Friends featuring Marcus Belgrave and Rob Smith. Smith recently toured with Terri Lyne Carrington, Nancy Wilson and Dianne Reeves in a tribute to Billie Holiday, performing on trumpet and tenor saxophone. This tour included performances at USC, UCLA, Penn State University, Byham Theater-Pittsburgh, Chicago Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center (2005). Smith also recently performed and recorded with the Ron DeSalvio Group, featuring legendary jazz drummer Jimmy Cobb. He can be heard on several recordings including: International Trumpet Guild-Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Solo Competition retrospective (1993-2003)-1993 performance (2006); Step By Step –The Terry Lower Quintet (2005); Itchin to Grove –Jim Cooper Quintet (2004); Beginner’s Mind –Steve Haines Quintet (Artist House-2002); HaGesher Cahi –The Bridge Lives – Jeff Haas Trio & Friends (2001), -Live at the Montreaux-Detroit Jazz Festival, The Larry Nozero (2000).-Live in London, The Woody Herman Orchestra-(1999), -New Beginnings, The Kirk MacDonald Septet (1998), Sherman Mitchell & Friends & Sherm, In n’Out; Now and Again, Maritime Jazz Orchestra (1998), various recordings by the group, Mind’s Eye.
Smith has performed in concert with the following artists: Rufus Reid, Randy Brecker, David Liebman, Bob Berg, Adam Nussbaum, Frank Tiberi, Buddy DeFranco, Marcus Belgrave, Geore Benson, Bobby Shew, Phil Markowitz, Phil Woods, Rodney Whitaker, Mulgrew Miller, Kareem Riggins, Jon Faddis, Frank Foster, Jerry Fuller, Ira Sullivan, Neil Swainson, Lorne Lofsky, Kenny Wheeler, and John Taylor.


Contact Information

Email: smith2rm@cmich.edu
Phone: (989) 774-1269
Room: MU 269

News

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Wind Symphony & Symphony Band

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Staples Family Concert Hall
Price: This concert is free and open to the public.

Faculty Jazz Sextet - Jazz Weekend

Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Staples Family Concert Hall
Price: $5 public, $3 students/seniors. Tickets are available at the Central Box Office by calling 774-3000.

Jazz Weekend - Guest Artist - Nicholas Payton, trumpet, PLACHTA

Date: Friday, February 12, 2010
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Plachta Auditorium - Warriner Hall
Price: $10 public, $7 students/seniors. Tickets are available at the Central Box Office by calling 774-3000.

CMU Orchestra

Date: Sunday, February 14, 2010
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Staples Family Concert Hall
Price: This concert is free and open to the public.

CMU Percussion Ensemble

Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Staples Family Concert Hall
Price: This concert is free and open to the public.
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