Message from Mr. Smith

Dear Orchestra Family,

Ten years ago, I arrived at Newman Smith for the first time. I was a student teacher finishing my last semester before graduation, and I was scared to death! I soon learned, though, that the NSO was a nurturing environment that pushed everyone to achieve at the highest level possible, all while trying to have some fun along the way! I learned a lot that semester about what makes an orchestra program great, and I will always be in the debt of the master teachers I worked with at that time.

Much has changed in the past ten years. In August of 2001, there was still a World Trade Center, gas was less than $2.00 a gallon, and I didn’t own a cell phone. Our world is constantly evolving in more confusing and wonderful ways. One thing that I depend on to be stable it the quality of education offered by Newman Smith High School. In those subsequent years, some things have changed, but the standard of excellence and pride has gone untouched. That is humbling, and it inspires me to do my best as a teacher every day.

There are some incredible experiences waiting to happen this year in the NSO! In spite of budget woes and economic troubles, our program soldiers on and continues to offer a fantastic educational environment for your students. I look forward to enjoying this year with you.

Here’s to ANOTHER 10 years!


Most sincerely,

Lamar Smith
Director of Orchestras