Don Smith

Worship Band Leader

Don joined the staff of Noblesville First United Methodist Church effective August 01, 2011.  His fiancée is Deb Farmer, the pianist for the church.  Deb is also the managing partner of the Hamilton County law firm Campbell, Kyle, Proffitt, LLP.  They plan to be married in June, 2012. 

Hometown:

Columbus, Ohio.  Don actually grew up in Whitehall, Ohio which is a suburb of Columbus on the east side of town. His parents (John and Colleen) still reside in the Columbus area in a northern suburb called Worthington.

Previous Experience:

Don's musical experience has been quite varied over many years.  From a very early age his father, who was also a trumpet player, was always his teacher, and provided a variety of musical experiences which have given him a love and appreciation of all forms of music.   Don credits both his mother and father for instilling in him the necessary discipline and drive to excel as a musician.

Don has performed in all kinds of musical organizations, from classical such as many years performing in the NFUMC orchestra, performing with the Lafayette Symphony, Carmel Symphony, various brass quintets and the Indianapolis Symphonic Band, to many theater pit orchestras.  He was the lead trumpet player for the Civic Theatre orchestra for approximately ten years and has played in many other theater pit orchestras at Footlight Musicals, The Belfry and others.

His great love of jazz has enabled him to perform on a regional basis with a national touring group called Five By Design.  He also performed on a regular basis with The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra (including as a featured soloist on two of their CD's) and a Bloomington-based band called The Stardusters Jazz Orchestra.  He has also had the very good fortune to perform with many local jazz notables such as Cathy Morris, Rob Dixon, and Shannon Forsell.

In addition to playing in others' bands, Don has also led his own bands for many years, including The Blue Thunder Big Band, The Don Smith Jazz Quintet, and a ten piece rock/pop/ blues band called Mercy Sakes!

While Don has retired from much of his performing in the past few years, he is extremely excited about his new duties as the leader of the NFUMC Worship Band.  His years of experience will bring a fresh and energetic approach to contemporary worship.  In addition, he is excited about the prospect of learning from others.

Favorites:

Books: While Don is a voracious reader (can't remember a time when he did not have at least one book going), it's very difficult to name a favorite book.  Presently is interested in historical fiction, political thrillers, and many different types of non-fiction.

Movie: Apollo 13, E.T., Forrest Gump, Giant, and The Day the Earth Stood Still (the original one from the 1950's)

TV Show: Many shows on The Speed Channel

Hymm Song: “Amazing Grace” because there are so many different and incredible arrangements of this song.

Bible Verse: The 23rd Psalm, since that is the first bible verse that he learned in Bible School as a child, and can still remember the time and place.

Sports Team: Colts

Hobbies/Interests:

Most of all Don enjoys hanging out with and enjoying the company of Deb. He also enjoys spending time with his grown son, daughter, son-in-law and his parents.  He also enjoys reading, riding his bike, photography, playing his guitar, and target shooting.

Why do you do what you do?

“I simply still love making music with others, and seeing the joy that brings to people.”