Daniel F. Smith, a Colorado native, is an accomplished musician and educator with a diverse background in music. He earned his Masters of Music Education degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, along with completing the Colorado Teaching Certification program. With a musical journey spanning over twenty-five years, he initially delved into the realm of electric bass at the age of twelve, subsequently studying the double bass and eventually expanding his expertise to include conducting large ensembles, music theatre, and opera. Renowned for his wide-ranging musical interests, he has contributed his diverse skillset to symphony orchestras, music theatre pit orchestras, opera pit orchestras, chamber groups, jazz ensembles, wind symphonies, percussion ensembles, choral groups, popular music ensembles, and notably toured the United States with a metal band.

 

Dedicated to the advancement of music education, Daniel currently serves as the Director of Orchestras at Lucile Erwin Middle School and Loveland High School, where he is diligently cultivating a strong musical foundation for string students across Northern Colorado, overseeing eight middle school and four high school ensembles. Under his guidance in the Thompson School District, his ensembles consistently achieved Superior ratings at various competitions. In 2020, he took the initiative to establish The Northern Colorado Youth Orchestra, which garnered recognition by performing and placing at ASTA Nationals in 2022. This achievement led to Daniel being honored with The ASTA String Teacher Of the Year Award, culminating in a prestigious performance at Carnegie Hall in 2024. He previously served as the Principal Bassist for the 101st Army Band where he proudly served for sixteen years.