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10 Questions

England Trip
 

10 Questions - Student Spotlight

 

10 Questions with:

Jesse Smith

About Jesse:
 My name is Jesse Smith and although I was born in Birmingham at St. Vincent’s Hospital I have lived in Gadsden my whole life. I attended the Episcopal Day School K-2 to 5th grade and just finished Disque Middle School.

This fall I will be in the 9th grade at Gadsden High School where I will be playing trumpet in the Tiger Band. I began piano lessons in the 3rd grade, trumpet in the 5th grade, and string bass in the 6th grade. I joined the EYO in the fall of 2003 (my 7th grade year). During the 2003-2004 season I played double bass in the Prelude Strings and trumpet in both the Wind Ensemble and the Etowah Youth Orchestra.

This past year I continued playing trumpet in the Wind Ensemble, moved to double bass in the Etowah Youth Orchestra and joined the Honors Strings on bass. I also sat in with the Prelude Strings during the Spring Concert so I was on stage the entire outdoor show at the amphitheater.

1. How did your musical career begin?
 I have been exposed to music my whole life, but I would say that my musical career began at age 8 when I started taking piano lessons from Mrs. Elaine Camp.

2. Who are your primary musical influences?
That is a tough question, I am influenced by so many people, but I would say I was most influenced by Mr. Deleath Reeves, my first trumpet teacher; Mr. Brian Bankston, my Middle School Band Director; the band Chicago; and of course Mike!

3. What do you like to listen to when you aren't playing your instrument?
I have been listening to classic rock my whole life, but I am trying to branch out and enjoy other genres.

4. What are your hobbies outside of music?
I enjoy reading, bicycle riding, water sports, and causing mischief.

5. What has been your greatest opportunity provided to you because of your musical talent?
That would probably be a tie between going to the ASTA conference in Reno, NV with the Honor Strings and touring England with the Orchestra.

6. What are your favorite movies or television shows?
I do not watch as much TV as I used to (which is probably a good thing!) but I enjoy old re-runs of the Andy Griffith Show. As for movies I have enjoyed the Star Wars series and have recently become a huge Monty Python fan (tis’ only a flesh wound!)

7. You can have dinner with any four people, living or dead. Who would they be?
Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, John Lennon, and Duane Allman (what a jam!)

8. What are your plans after high school?
I have not reached a firm decision as yet but am leaning toward the medical profession or possibly a career as a professional musician, although I am still open to other choices.

9. Who is your favorite historical figure?
Benjamin Franklin (hey without him we may not have electric amps!)

10. Describe yourself in four words.
Obnoxious swine-drunk odious arse