Jacobs School of Music

Eric Smedley

Assistant Professor of Music (Bands); Assistant Director of Bands

Biography

Eric M. Smedley serves as an assistant professor of music and the assistant director of bands at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he directs the Concert Band, assists with the marching and athletic bands, and teaches 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 volume V. Smedley has orchestrated numerous works for wind band—his most recent project focusing 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 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.