A Look Inside STU Band with Director Terrell Smith

With rigorous preparation and a commitment to excellence, the STU Band is rebuilding its talent and spirit. Interested students should reach out to Band Director Mr. Terrell Smith, who is ready to welcome and guide new members into the ensemble. His office is located in the old student union center on the left side of the gym. Mr. Smith has worked with all types of schools, ranging from universities, high schools, and middle schools, as their band and music director, performance clinician, composer, and adjudicator. He has a background in Drum Corps International, has a membership in an HBCU marching band, and has served on the faculty of world-renowned drum corps programs.

Mr. Smith comes from Monmouth County, New Jersey, and pursued an undergraduate degree at Norfolk State University and the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania before completing his graduate studies at The University of Maryland, College Park. He specialized in music education, brass, percussion, woodwinds, jazz arranging, conducting, and ethnomusicology. His passion for becoming a music educator came from his high school band director, whose teaching style, humor, and musicianship left a lasting impact on him. The goal he has planned for STU’s Band is to inspire his students in the same way his high school band director inspired him.

His vision for the STU Band is to create an engaging and dynamic ensemble, excelling in marching, spirit, jazz, and symphonic performances. To achieve this will require thorough planning, high-quality instruments, effective instructional techniques, and exciting musical selections. “Most importantly, I want students and the STU community to feel excited about our program and take pride in our band’s performances. With enthusiasm and dedication, the program will thrive and expand,” he said.

Like athletes, Director Smith expects full attendance and daily practice and considers it essential. Director Smith told us, “This commitment will foster personal growth, strengthen the band’s unity, and enrich the overall STU community. A strong marching and spirit band enhances the authenticity of the college experience, creating traditions that students can carry forward. To help develop every student's skill, each section, which includes brass, percussion, woodwinds, and color guard, will follow a structured daily technique sequence that builds strong fundamentals and progresses to more complex movements and musical pieces. Additionally, I provide one-on-one instruction for all instruments and bring in specialists to enhance marching, color guard, and visual performance techniques.”
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Mr. Smith has, in the past, coordinated and managed marching bands, indoor percussions, and color guard competitions. He has also developed "band day," which is an event where high school students join us on game days for an immersive experience. At one event, Mr. Smith had over 500 musicians performing on the field together; he says, “It was an unforgettable experience! Such events serve as fantastic recruitment tools, and I plan to implement similar initiatives at STU.” His main focus right now is recruitment. “We’re looking for a strong brass section, an energetic drumline, and a vibrant color guard. We welcome all students, including pianists and guitarists. Even those with little to no experience can join—our program will teach everything needed for success! If you’re looking to be part of something exciting, now is the time to join the STU Band. Come be a part of the music, the tradition, and the legacy we’re building together!” If you are interested, you can find Director Smith in his office or email him at [email protected]. Go Bobcats!