Jason Smith, trombone
Jason Smith, a native of Tampa, Florida, began playing trombone at the age of eleven. He studied at Florida State University for two years, and finished his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in jazz performance. While studying in Florida, Jason was very active as a jazz and classical trombonist. He performed with the Tampa Bay Mostly Pops Orchestra, the Tampa Bay Master Chorale, and Walt Disney World’s Christmas Brass. He has recorded with Sam River’s Rivbea Orchestra, Dan McMillion’s Grammy nominated Groovin’ High Jazz Orchestra and the USF Jazztet, which toured Europe in 2003, playing at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. In 2004, Jason was a finalist in the Larry Wiehe solo competition, sponsored by the International Trombone Association.
Jason received his master’s degree in trombone performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Upon moving to Cleveland he has quickly established himself, having performed with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, and the Blossom Festival Band. He has also performed in various shows at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, including the Nutcracker, and renowned artists such as Johnny Mathis and Michael W. Smith. Jason’s musical diversity has also earned him a spot as the regular trombonist in Noel Quintana’s Latin Crew, a Cleveland based Salsa band.
Jason is on adjunct faculty at Cleveland State University, teaching trombone and euphonium. He was appointed to CSU in 2006.