Biography:
Dr. Bryant Smith is an Associate Professor, and Director of Bands, at Utah Tech University where he teaches Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Conducting, First Year Experience, and Study Abroad classes. Dr. Smith earned his Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and holds bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. Dr. Smith studied conducting with five members of the American Bandmasters Association – David Blackinton, Barry Kopetz, Richard Mayne, Donald Peterson, and Kenneth Singleton – as well as Mark Ely, Scott Hagan, and Kory Katseanus.
During his tenure at Utah Tech University, Dr. Smith has enjoyed great success growing the bands program. Under his direction the Symphonic Band has performed many regional concerts, recorded multiple audio and video productions, and worked with outstanding guest artists from around the world. He has led successful music travel studies to Colorado, Mexico, and England. Dr. Smith is the creator and Director of the Utah Tech Conducting Symposium, an annual professional development conference that brings together outstanding conductors from across the nation. From 2021-2024 he was the Vice President of Higher Education for the Utah Music Educators Association. He was also a finalist for the “2022 Distinguished Teaching Award.,” and has been a nominee for Distinguished Faculty awards multiple times.
Prior to his appointment at UT, Dr. Smith was the Director of Bands at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA, where he led the Jazz Band and the Concert Band. He has also held adjunct positions at Brigham Young university and Utah Valley State College. Before his collegiate career he was the band director at Spanish Fork High School in Utah—where he received the 2009 “Teacher of the Year” award.
He is a member of College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music Education, the Utah Music Educators Association, and is an active clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor. He was recently honored to direct the 2024 Utah All State Symphonic Band. He has also led All State and Honor Bands in Utah, Nevada, and Washington.
In addition to his conducting and directing interests, Dr. Smith researches music education and music history topics, with particular focus on bands in 19th century communities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is also a composer who has had works performed by high school, collegiate, and professional band, jazz band, choir, and chamber ensembles. Apart from music he enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather, and their four children in St. George.