
The week after our 2023 marching band season concluded, we were devastated by the loss of Jeff Smith, who tragically passed away in a car accident. Jeff's impact on the music profession, and especially on our school and community, was profound. His sudden absence has left us all grappling with grief, but also with the opportunity for healing and reflection. Our 2024 show, titled Legacy, is a heartfelt tribute to Jeff’s remarkable career as both a teacher and a leader to so many.
The show is composed of six parts, each telling a different aspect of Jeff’s story and the legacy he leaves behind.
I. The Leader of the Band We begin by setting the mood with an homage to Jeff. A student loosely portrays Jeff, capturing his spirit and presence. This part is dedicated to the lasting influence he had on our band and how he led with passion and purpose.
II. Choose Joy This section bursts onto the scene with energy, reflecting Jeff's belief that even in times of grief, we should “Choose Joy.” In a way that mirrors Jeff's sometimes startling way of addressing the band, this part begins suddenly, catching the audience off guard and reminding us that joy was always at the heart of his teaching.
III. Yankee Doodle In 1990, Jeff took the Norwalk High School Band to the Rose Bowl Parade, making them the first band from Connecticut to participate. To honor this achievement, he arranged Yankee Doodle, Connecticut’s state song. In our show, we use a treatment of the melody in the style of Morton Gould, with a middle section that portrays the actual parade route, allowing the band to march by in tribute to Jeff’s work.
IV. Clarinet Concerto (Artie Shaw) Jeff was an avid clarinet player and a lifelong jazz educator. This simple blues piece is a nod to his deep love for both jazz and the clarinet, a symbol of his musical expertise and passion for sharing music with others.
V. Time to Say Goodbye Our ballad, Time to Say Goodbye, is a touching tribute that incorporates parts of Canterbury Chorale, Jeff’s favorite band piece. The melody begins with our clarinet section and grows into a full band performance, creating a moment where every player becomes part of one unified “clarinet section,” honoring Jeff’s memory together
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VI. Recap: Choose Joy We close the show with a return to Choose Joy, signifying that Jeff would want us all to continue moving forward, choosing joy, and working hard to create our own legacies. This final part embodies Jeff’s belief that each student should find their own path and leave their mark, just as he did.
This show is more than just a performance—it’s a message of resilience, a tribute to a beloved leader, and a reminder that even in the face of loss, joy and legacy endure. We are incredibly grateful for the support and feedback from our students, staff, and community as we honor Jeff's memory.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
This show and performance was heart felt, amazing and shows the dedication of these students. My wife and I watch all summer and after band camp as these students practiced for hours. Congratulations to all for a successful season.