Herbert Smith
Instrument: Trumpet
With the RPO since: 1989
Favorite time of year in Rochester and why: My favorite time of year is fall because of the changing of the leaves and I love the fall weather. Perfect for a sweater or light jacket.
Hometown: Cincinnati
Drink or food you're most likely to order at Java's: Black coffee, no sugar, no cream
When not performing with the RPO, you can find me... You might find me in the back yard barbecuing some beef brisket and ribs. Or playing in a club with my jazz combo.
First music-related memory: Music was always in my life. I grew up from a baby in the church hearing my parents sing in the choir.
I decided to be a professional musician when... it was time for me to start looking at colleges. It was clear that the only thing I wanted to do was play music.
Favorite travel destination: Mountainous regions. I love to hike and ride bikes on trails. Whether I'm in the south in Gatlinburg, Tennessee at the Great Smokey Mountains, or in the west around Jacksonhole, Wyoming at the Grand Tetons.
Influential teachers: I have had many influential teachers but lately my trumpet mentor is Jerry Callet. He has changed my trumpet playing upside down and back again. I am now playing better than I have ever played in my life.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream
What are your other "hidden" talents? I love writing music and every once in a while, I sing with a jazz band.
Do you teach private students? I teach private lessons at home and at Eastman through the Eastman Community Music School.
What other orchestras have you performed with? I have performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic and the Chautaqua Symphony Orchestra.
Oddest concert (or rehearsal) memory... One time when I was in college I played second trumpet on a violin concerto, Maestro Semkow was conducting. I stretched my arms and he thought I was yawning. He then puts his baton down and says, "Second trumpet are you tired? Would you like to take a nap? What is this? We are trying to make music over here!!" I was so embarrassed, but every time he conducts, I make sure I pay attention.
Favorite restaurant in town and why. For a more dressy occassion, I like Portabello's. They have great Italian cuisine. For a good old burger, I love Bill Gray's.
What types of music do you like to listen to? I listen to all types of music. I love Jazz and Reggae. Not just Bob Marley but people like Lee Perry, Toots and The Heptones.
The RPO is essential to Rochester because... it is the highest level of orchestra and classical music in Rochester. Furthermore, it provides a service to the community exposing adults and children to the orchestra masterworks of yesteryear and today.
My favorite part of working in the RPO is... When it all comes together. There is something awesome about playing for a conductor that has a clear vision of how he or she wants it to sound. Sometimes in the first rehearsals, it is not clear to me where the conductor is going, but then the "aha" moment happens.
If someone were visiting Rochester, what would you tell them to go see or do? I would tell them to go the Eastman Theatre and listen to a world class orchestra by the name of RPO. Oh, and I would also tell them to go to Nick Tahoo's and get a cheeseburger garbage plate light onions everything.
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