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Alumni Spotlight: Roy & Julie Smith

Roy and Julie Smith met in the fall of 2003, when Julie was a freshman and Roy a junior at Roberts Wesleyan College. Both music education majors, they shared classes, ensembles, and collaborated on a recital in the fall of 2004 that initiated their relationship. They were married in the summer of 2007, following Julie’s graduation. Roy and Julie now enjoy an active life of performing, teaching, and conducting as professional musicians in the greater Rochester area, where they reside with their three sons.

Julie (Davis) Smith

Education:

B.S. in Music Education – Roberts Wesleyan College (2007)
M.M. in Flute Performance - University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2010)

What she’s up to:

Julie currently serves as Worship Arts Director at Pearce Memorial Church in North Chili, N.Y., as well as serving on the faculties of the Hochstein School of Music and Dance and the Csehy Summer School of Music. An active flutist and pianist in the Rochester area, she maintains a private studio and is a member of Fem Vindar, a Hochstein School of Music faculty wind quintet devoted to community performances, educational outreach, and the performance of contemporary quintet music. She has also served on the board of the Rochester Flute Association and on faculty with the Roberts Wesleyan College Community Music School. 

In regards to her instrumental professor:

Diane Smith is, quite succinctly, one of the most important people in my life. Her abilities as both performer and educator were transformative in my journey as a musician. During my four years of study at Roberts, Diane gently guided and consistently modeled what it is to have a holistic approach to music—bringing body, mind, and soul to one’s craft. I have yet to meet another professor with such a healthy, complete perspective to musicianship and lifestyle. To be able to call Diane a colleague today is both a privilege and an honor.

In regards to her RWC education:

My music education at Roberts prepared me to take on the realities of today’s world. It is increasingly rare that a musician subsists on a single income. Flexibility is essential! Roberts gave me ample opportunities to explore classical and sacred music, both as a soloist and through chamber and large ensembles. Additionally, I was prepared to direct and rehearse instrumental and choral ensembles, coach chamber groups, and work with individual students. Every one of these areas has proven necessary in my career as a musician, and, subsequently, I’ve grown all the more grateful for the excellent education I received.

Roy Smith

Education:

B.S. in Music Education – Roberts Wesleyan College (2005)
M.M. in Trumpet Performance and Literature - Northwestern University (2007)

What he’s up to:

2nd trumpet, Symphoria (formerly Syracuse Symphony Orchestra), 2013 - present
Adjunct Professor of Trumpet, SUNY Fredonia, 2016 - present
Regular Substitute, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Choir Director, Gates Presbyterian Church
Also taught at: Houghton College, Hochstein School of Music, Lima Christian School

In regards to his instrumental professor:

Trumpet lessons with Paul Shewan were exactly what I needed as a raw but eager undergraduate student. He did a marvelous job walking me through all of the skills and techniques I’d need as a professional performer and giving me constant feedback – not only as a studio teacher, but as an orchestra and wind ensemble conductor, a brass quintet colleague, and a professional mentor. He’s a thoughtful musician with a great ear, and an even better person.

In regards to his RWC education:

Roberts was great because I had the opportunity to do everything—orchestra, jazz band, chamber music, chorale, and every other ensemble—and all in a context where I would be supported and invested in, whether I rose to the occasion or failed. (I did plenty of both.) The program was big enough to offer all of these opportunities but small enough to be intimately known by the whole faculty.

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