Famed conductor/composer to conduct Bradley University Honor Band

Peoria, Illinois . . . April 17, 2003 . . . Robert W. Smith, one of the most popular and prolific composers of concert band and orchestral literature in America today, will serve as the conductor of the Eighteenth Annual Bradley University High School Honor Band when they perform on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Dingeldine Music Center, located at 1417 W. Barker Avenue.

The Bradley Honor Band will involve more than 100 students from more than 65 Central Illinois high schools. Students are selected for the Honor Band based on their significant musical accomplishments and their band directorÕs recommendation. The Honor Band has been conducted by many of the top band conductors in the world.

The Bradley Symphonic Winds, under the direction of Dr. David Vroman, will also perform during the program. Tickets to the performance are $3 for adults and free for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door one hour prior to the concert, or in advance by calling the Cultural Events Box Office at 309-677-2650.

Mr. Smith has more than 500 publications in print with the majority composed and arranged through his long association with Warner Bros. Publications. His compositions and arrangements have been used in a variety of situations. From the welcoming ceremonies in Japan honoring President Ronald Reagan to Opening Day at Dodger Stadium ... from the opening of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade telecast to the Ringling Bros. / Barnum & Bailey Circus and the Olympic games, his music is widely accepted by all ages.

Smith's credits include many compositions and productions in all areas of the music field. His original works for winds and percussion have been programmed by countless military, university, high school, and middle school bands throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, South America and Asia. His numerous works for orchestras of all levels are some of the most popular repertoire available today. His music has received extensive airplay on major network television. Recent highlights include NBC's coverage of the Presidential Inauguration Day and Walt Disney's American Teacher's Awards. With performances by ensembles such as the United States Navy Band and the Atlanta Symphony to school bands and orchestras throughout the world, his music speaks to audiences in any concert setting.