Dr. David L. Smith Jr. is an American jazz trombonist from South Florida with over 16 years of experience as a professional performer in the jazz idiom. He began playing the drums at his church at an early age. By the age of 12, he discovered the trombone while involved in his middle school band. During his high school years, he began to develop a love for jazz music by performing in the jazz ensemble. Upon graduating from high school, he decided to further his passion for jazz music by receiving university-level training in the field of jazz performance. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Jazz Performance (Florida State University), Master of Music (M.M) in Jazz Performance (The University of South Florida), and a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A) with an emphasis in Jazz Studies & Pedagogy from the University of Colorado.
In 2016, he won the "Downbeat" Award for best jazz small group during his doctoral studies in Colorado. Currently, Smith resides in the Ocala area and serves as the Director of Jazz and Concert Ensembles and Associate Professor of Music at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL. He teaches courses in American Popular Music, Applied Brass Techniques, and directs the Santa Fe Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and Concert Band. In addition to his teaching duties, Smith maintains a busy schedule performing as a jazz soloist and guest artist. He has performed with legendary trombonist from the world-renowned Duke Ellington Orchestra, George "Buster" Cooper (1929 - 2016), Vincent Gardner, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Roberts, Jason Marsalis, Roland Guerlin, Rufus Reid, Leon Anderson, Rodney Jordan, John Gunther, and Dave Corbus. Smith also performs master classes and jazz workshops working with students from elementary to the collegiate-level.
With a deep commitment for jazz music, Smith's mission is to preserve America's original art form, "Jazz" by creating opportunities to perform in various public settings including restaurants, libraries, schools, community and senior centers, special events, music festivals, and concert halls for music enthusiasts. Currently, Smith is working on a solo album all being self-produced by himself. The album is scheduled to be released in December of this year.