Dr. Ryan Smith

Dr. Ryan S. Smith (DMA, Texas Tech University, MM & BME, Stephen F. Austin State University) serves as the Director of Fine Arts for the Frenship Independent School District. While in Lubbock, Dr. Smith helped found the Lubbock Civic Orchestra where he currently serves as co-conductor. Prior to his position with FISD, Dr. Smith was Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Lubbock Christian University where he taught courses within the music education curriculum, conducting the Symphonic Band, Big Blue Basketball Band, and administered all facets of the LCU band program.

Dr. Smith holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from Texas Tech University. He holds a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University with Texas State Board of Education Certification in All-Level Music.

Dr. Smith has proudly served on the faculty of Texas Tech University as Assistant Director of Bands assisting with the Goin’ Band from Raiderland and conducting the Concert Band. Prior to his appointment at LCU, he served on the faculty of Lamar University as Director of Athletic Bands and Instructor of Music. During his time at Lamar, Dr. Smith directed the “Showcase of Southeast Texas” marching band, LU Pep Band, and taught courses in music theory, music education, and instruction of the tuba/euphonium studio. Dr. Smith’s previous public-school experience includes teaching at the high school and junior high level in Klein, Katy, and Nacogdoches, Texas. His ensembles have performed at state and regional venues, and he maintains an active schedule as a clinician and adjudicator. He has held memberships with TMEA, TBA, CBDNA, NAfME, and Phi Beta Mu – International Bandmasters’ Fraternity.

Past Co-Founding Conductors

Dr. Blair Williams

Dr. Blair A. Williams (PhD, The Ohio State University, MM, Kansas State University, BME, Baylor University) is Director of Professional Development for the American String Teachers Association. Dr. Williams has served our string teaching community in public school, higher education, civic and youth symphonies, and in the string studio for over 20 years. A frequent guest conductor, clinician, lecturer, and adjudicator, Dr. Williams enjoys working with and learning from teachers, musicians, and students across the country. She has published articles and chapters in International Journal of Music Education, Journal of Research in Music Education, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, American String Teacher, and volume 4 of Teaching Music Through Performance in Orchestra.