Bruce Smith is a jazz pianist and vocalist performing throughout the Triangle area. He has a diverse musical professional life in both Jazz and Church Music. Over the past 30 years as a professional musician, Bruce has most recently served as Director of Contemporary Worship at North Raleigh United Methodist Church. Prior to his arrival at NRUMC, Bruce served as the Director of Bands at Chatham Central High School, where he conducted bands, and taught other musical subjects. As well, he recently served as the Director of Bands and Performing Arts Department Chairman at St. David's School in Raleigh. Prior to this, he served for 20 years as an Army Bandmaster, leading professional wind ensembles, and jazz ensembles all over the world.
Bruce has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from East Carolina University and a Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of South Carolina.
Bruce began his professional music career as a jazz pianist with U.S. Army Bands in Virginia, Texas and Hawaii before becoming a Warrant Officer Bandmaster. From that point he served as Principle Conductor and Commander for bands in South Carolina, the Republic of South Korea, Alabama, and eventually as the Staff Bands Officer for the US Army and US Army National Guard in Washington, DC before retiring.
Bruce led many jazz ensembles throughout his 20 year military career, to include big bands, traditional and fusion jazz combos. As an Army Bandmaster, Bruce has won numerous military and civilian awards for his musical leadership, including the Legion of Merit and the coveted Colonel George S. Howard Citation for Musical Excellence given by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
As a certified North Carolina educator, Bruce has taught Middle School and High Schools Bands, to include Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Jazz Ensembles. His students have been selected to participate in the Central and Eastern District Honor Jazz Bands.
Bruce currently performs locally as a solo jazz artist and with The Jim Ferris Trio and Larry Marynak Trio.
Bruce currently lives in Cary, NC.
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