No Time to Waste: Slowing down not an option for Tizzy Smith

It was just another Tuesday in the college career of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student Tizzy Smith, a sophomore music performance major and trumpet player.

Wake up at 5 a.m. and walk his dog before heading off to campus.

Arrive at the UTC Fine Arts Center before 7 a.m. and get in an hour of practice before his 8 a.m. class.

Practice for another hour from 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Sit down for a weekly trumpet lesson from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Return for a third hour of practice from 1-2 p.m.

Then, what makes Tuesday special, is the trifecta of UTC Concert Band and Wind Ensemble rehearsal from 3:05-4:20 p.m., Jazz Band rehearsal from 5-6:30 p.m. and UTC Symphony Orchestra rehearsal from 7-9 p.m.

Somewhere along the line, Smith also finds the time for a full-time college course load, homework and possibly a meal or two.

Not many music majors simultaneously participate in three ensembles, “but for me, I want this to be my typical,” he said.

“Time management and scheduling really helps with all of it.”

 

“Music speaks in so many different ways”

Smith’s musical resume at UTC includes being a member of the Marching Mocs during football season and having the distinction of playing the final notes during last November’s annual Veterans Day “Taps” tribute.

He said he gets his inspiration from all the varying musical styles.

“It’s art. Music speaks in so many different ways,” Smith explained. “I love being able to learn and grasp all of the knowledge that I can in order to bring the art form to each ensemble.

“Jazz is always fun, big and everything. Orchestra is more classical and more technical and a lot of waiting, a lot of counting rests. Concert Band is usually more marches, laid back in a musical sense, more technical with the melodies that trumpets have.”

Jazz Band Director Richard Stichler said it didn’t take long for Smith to pick up the nuances of a music style with which he had little experience before college.

“I’m particularly impressed with Tizzy’s eagerness to learn as much as possible and accept new challenges in playing lead trumpet in a jazz ensemble,” Stichler said. “After getting to know Tizzy in a couple of short months, I can say that there is a desire to excel in all areas of music.”

UTC Symphony Orchestra Director Sandy Morris echoed those sentiments.

“He appreciates the opportunity to play and plays so well,” Morris said. “He is conscientious in meeting every challenge the music presents and in meeting responsibilities to every group with which he plays. He shows such enthusiasm for his ensembles and for playing trumpet at UTC.”

 

“Whatever makes me happy will make her happy”

Growing up in the small west Tennessee town of Huntingdon, Smith’s passion for the trumpet came honestly: He followed in his mother’s musical footsteps.

Beth Smith played trumpet throughout high school and was in the Huntingdon Marching Band. Her passion for music opened his eyes to try it, and he took up the trumpet in sixth grade.

“My mom is a huge supporter of mine, and I’m so grateful for her,” Smith said. “She’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m able to do this. She says whatever makes me happy will make her happy.”

He credits John Oelrich, director of bands at UT Martin, for helping him realize he could have a career in music. Smith began going to Oelrich for lessons as a high school freshman.

“He taught me more than just music; he taught me how to love it,” Smith said. “He taught me how to be a good person, how to have the drive and the energy to want to be in the music industry, and how to have the passion for it.

“I noticed that, while working with him, he didn’t just teach me that I was good at music, but that I was good at being able to get through things in life in general. I’m really grateful for him.”

 

“It’s the love for playing music”

Erika Schafer, associate professor of trumpet and assistant director of bands at UTC, called Smith’s versatility and curiosity about learning to perform different musical styles crucial for today’s musicians.

“Performance opportunities are harder to come by so, if you can play multiple styles, you are likely to get more of these opportunities,” Schafer said. “Tizzy is not just a trumpet player or a jazz player or a classical player, but he is a musician, eager to participate in any and all music.

“I really enjoy working with him, experiencing his passion and witnessing the spark in his eyes when he learns something new.”

Smith has been pivotal in the resurrection of the UTC band program, according to Randall Coleman, professor of music and director of bands since April 2021.

“Tizzy is an incredible musician and is a wonderful example of dedication, determination and commitment,” Coleman said. “His participation in our marching band, wind ensemble, orchestra and jazz band has allowed us to begin building a solid foundation with our ensembles for the future at UTC.”

In order to do all that, Smith spends approximately 28 hours each week of the semester in practice, rehearsals and lessons. It’s sort of like rinse, lather, repeat, spending at least three hours on the trumpet at least six days each week.

That isn’t for everybody.

For Smith, it is everything.

“What are my career goals?” he said. “I would love to do anything that would involve me playing. It could be playing in a symphony orchestra, playing small gigs in a jazz band or just being out in the street playing some tunes for people. I don’t even have to be paid.

“It’s not the money that is driving me. It’s the art. It’s the love of playing music.”