Center Creek Recording Composers:
Dean W. Smith

CenterCreek.com Products featuring Dean Smith

Master Sergeant Dean W. Smith is currently composer, staff arranger, and trombonist with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois.

In 1989, Sergeant Smith enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned to the Band of the East at McGuire Air Force in New Jersey. In 1991, he was assigned to the Band of Liberty at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Then, in 1994, Sergeant Smith began a three year tour with the United States Air Forces in Europe Band at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Sergeant Smith grew up in Mascoutah, Illinois, where he graduated high school in 1982. He earned his bachelor of music education degree from Murray State University in 1987 and his Master of music degree from Louisiana State University in 1989. His teachers include Ran Conklin, Dennis Johnson, Larry Campbell, and Doug Sertle.

Sergeant Smith has performed with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, The Blue Ribbon Dixieland Band, Evansville Symphony Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony and Opera company, the Mirage Jazz Quintet and the Association of Jazz Educators, International Trombone Association, and the Music Educator's National Conference. Sergeant Smith performed with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps 1985-1986 and won the Baritone individual solo competition in 1986.

Sergeant Smith's military decorations include the commendation medal awarded in 1994, his second Oak Leaf Cluster in 1997, the Achievement Medal in 1991 and a Second Oak Leaf Cluster in 1999. He was the non-commissioned officer of the year in 2000 for the USAF Band of Mid-America. His composition "Undaunted Courage" took second place at the 2006 Armed Forces Music Competition.

Dean has been commissioned to write original music for school bands and professional bands and performers all over the country.

His exciting musical compositions and arrangements have inspired many audiences. Dean writes for concert band, symphonic band, brass quintets, jazz band, and many other combinations of wind and brass ensembles.