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News Release

Last modified: Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Band conductor Eric Smedley appointed to IU Jacobs School of Music faculty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music announces that conductor, educator, performer and alumnus Eric M. Smedley will join its Department of Bands as assistant professor of music and assistant director of bands this fall.

"I am pleased that after an extensive national search with many terrifically qualified applicants, we are able to welcome Dr. Eric Smedley to the faculty of the Jacobs School of Music," said Stephen W. Pratt, chair of the bands department. "He brings a depth of experience, musicality, energy and expertise that makes him an outstanding choice."

Smedley will make a guest conducting appearance during the Summer Concert Band performance July 27 at 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Musical Arts Center, directed by David C. Woodley. Jacobs faculty member Thomas Walsh will be featured as saxophone soloist.

Smedley's duties will include directing the Concert Band, assisting with the marching and athletic bands and teaching undergraduate instrumental conducting.

Smedley holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Washington and Master of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from the Jacobs School. He previously served on the music faculties of Boise State University and Western Kentucky University and as a public school music educator in Cocoa Beach, Fla., Santa Monica, Calif., and Kenosha, Wis.

Smedley has conducted throughout North America, Russia and Japan. He maintains an active schedule as a clinician, guest conductor and adjudicator, most recently throughout the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West. He also has an active schedule as a trumpet recitalist and ensemble musician, performing a wide variety of musical styles.

Smedley's research interests are varied and include projects in the areas of contemporary wind band literature, wind band orchestration and conducting pedagogy. His book chapter on composer Joseph Turrin is published in volume IV of A Composer's Insight: Thoughts, Analysis, and Commentary on Contemporary Masterpieces for Wind Band (published by Meredith Publications and distributed by Hal Leonard), with future chapters on David Dzubay and John Mackey set for publication in the next volume.

Smedley has orchestrated numerous works for wind band; his most recent project focused on realizing William Penn's vocal cycle Garland Songs for medium voice and wind ensemble.

Smedley is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and he is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society, National Band Association and the Music Educator's National Conference.

Smedley lives in Bloomington, Ind., with his wife, Jessica; daughter, Ella; and Bedlington Terrier, Ainsley.

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