Fred Emory Smith started playing the piano at the age of four. By the age of eight he started composing for the piano and competed in the national Yamaha piano competition “I can compose, too!” winning first place with the song “Freddie’s Blues” in 1993. Between 1994-1997, Fred was a member of the Phoenix Boys Choir under the direction of Harvey K. Smith.

    During high school, Fred performed with the Corona del Sol marching band, steel band and percussion ensemble. He was also the assistant principal percussionist for the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra. During this time Fred entered the “Young Musicians Competition 2002”, receiving first place for a marimba concerto, earning the “Clotilde Otranto” award. He performed this marimba concerto with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. His drum corps experience included playing snare with the Arizona Academy in 2001, Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets in 2002, and the Santa Clara Vanguard in 2003-2005.

    He now attends the Berklee College of Music, studying film scoring and music business. He composes for orchestra, string quartets, choral, jazz, rock, and percussion ensembles. He is also a studio drummer for many Berklee ensembles. Recently, Fred wrote an indoor drumline show that has been published by Key Poulan Music. Past instructors and teachers include: Jim Casella, Murray Gusseck, Dustin Schletzer, Jim Ragsdale, Jonathan Steele, Glen Crosby, Robert Chavira, Ralph Hardimon, Larry Finn, Jackie Santos, Dom Mojo, J.B. Smith, Josh Gottry, Scott Werner, Chris Evans, Mark Sunkett, Dwight Brewer, Armand Quillintine, Bob Kaufman, Bob Tamagni, and Don McDonnell.