FOUNDER/TRUMPET

Originally from Bayshore, New York, Dr. James J. Smisek has been the Director of Bands at Seminole State College since 2014. He graduated with a D.M.A. degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, studying with Dr. John R. Locke. While at UNCG he served as the conductor of the UNCG Symphonic Band 2004-05 and previously conducted the University Band 2003-04.

Dr. Smisek was Director of Bands at Samford University in Alabama from August 2006 through May 2014. He taught high school band and orchestra for twelve years in Central Florida, one year in Delaware, and he taught at Seminole Community College as the Director of Jazz Studies from 2000-01. He continues to work as an adjudicator and clinician throughout Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Virginia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Mississippi.

In 2000, he completed the Master of Music degree in Music Education with honors at Rollins College, in Winter Park, Florida. He earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville and the Associate of Arts degree from Seminole Community College in Sanford, Florida. Dr. Smisek was also a musician in the United States Army Band program as a trumpet player from 1989 - 91 and continues to perform as a freelance musician.

He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, College Music Society, Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, Phi Beta Mu, Pi Kappa Lambda and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Dr. Smisek is married to Lynette, and they have two children, Chelsea and Carson. In addition, he is also the proud grandfather (G-Pa) of Arley, Ryland, and Oliver!

FOUNDER/TRUMPET

Jeremy served in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2001 through 2015 as a combat engineer and served two tours in Iraq. Jeremy first began his education at Liberty University in 2003 as a music performance major. His education was interrupted twice due to deployments and after the second deployment he decided to change paths and began work with the Department of Defense as a trainer of Intelligence Analysis to deploying troops. During his stint with DoD he earned a B.S. in Military Intelligence at American Military University.

To focus more on his family, Jeremy ended his service in the military and moved to Central Florida to pursue a career in construction. He attended Orange Technical College in the building sciences department while concurrently earning his M.B.A. in Construction Management at Everglades University. Jeremy currently owns and operates a construction company in Central Florida.

After spending 15 years away from music, Jeremy’s passion for the trumpet was rekindled, and he has diligently worked on building a second career in music. Jeremy completed a degree that he started decades ago at Liberty University, earning a second B.S. Degree in Commercial Music. Jeremy teaches music privately and is a freelance musician. Jeremy remains active in the orchestra at Crosslife Church in Oviedo, FL and is a regular member of the Seminole State College Community Symphonic Band. Jeremy is a member of the FMEA and FBA associations. Jeremy resides in Oviedo, FL with his wife and two children, who are both active in piano, voice, and trumpet.

FOUNDER/TRUMPET

Carson Smisek, a devoted and accomplished musician and educator, boasts a diverse background in jazz and classical trumpet performance. His musical journey commenced at the age of eight, and his ardor for the trumpet has only intensified over time. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies with a focus on Trumpet Performance from the University of North Florida, Carson refined his skills and deepened his comprehension of music theory and practice. During his tenure at UNF, he dedicated himself to perfecting his craft as the lead trumpet player in various jazz ensembles and instrumental groups, notably Jazz Ensemble 1 under the tutelage of JB Scott. Carson had the privilege of performing alongside esteemed artists like Allen Vizzutti, Todd DelGiudice, Wycliffe Gordon, Jon Faddis, and Ingrid Jensen, among others.

For the past 11 years, Carson has been imparting his passion and expertise to students of all ages, prioritizing the cultivation of a love for music alongside technical prowess and expressive capability. His teaching approach is personalized to address the individual needs and aspirations of each student, whether they're beginners or advanced players seeking to refine their skills.

Beyond his teaching endeavors, Carson remains an active performer, contributing his talents to the Rivertown Band. His versatility spans both jazz and classical genres, rendering him a sought-after collaborator and performer. Carson Smisek continues to inspire and nurture aspiring musicians, seamlessly merging his dedication to education with his love for performance. Personally, he is happily married to Selah, a remarkable violinist, and together they cherish their nearly two-year-old son, Oliver.

WOODWINDS

Ms. Jen Walsh has been a middle school band director for 18 years, the last 8 at North Jefferson Middle School in Kimberly, AL. She previously taught at Minor Middle School in Adamsville, AL and in the Hoover City Schools system. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has served as a teacher-leader in her school communities for several years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Performance (Flute) and a Masters of Music Education from Samford University.

Ms. Walsh serves on the leadership staff at the Music For All Summer Symposium. She is a member of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the National Band Association. Most recently Ms. Walsh was named an honorary member of the Eta Lambda chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, a band service sorority at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Ms. Walsh is a charter member of the Alabama Winds, a professional community band that has performed at The Midwest Clinic, the Western International Band Clinic, and for the Alabama Music Educators Conference. She marched in the 2022 Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA and the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a proud member of the Saluting America’s Band Directors Marching Band.

Ms. Walsh was raised in Panama City, FL and currently resides in Birmingham, AL. She loves traveling and spending time outdoors. Her daughter Mya, is a wind ensemble euphonium player and jazz trombonist at Oak Mountain High School.