Dr. Evan Smith

Dr. Evan Smith (b. 1985) is an innovative teacher and versatile performer on both saxophone and clarinet able to span numerous musical genres. He holds degrees in saxophone performance and music education from the University of Washington, University of Northern Iowa, and James Madison University,.

A passionate advocate for new music, Evan has premiered numerous new works for saxophone, and most recently performed at the 2015 World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, France. Outside the concert hall, Evan performs regularly in both jazz and pop genres, and is most notably a member of the acclaimed soul band The Dip. Before moving to Seattle, he traveled the world as a musician for Holland America and Celebrity cruise lines.

An experienced educator, Evan is one of the most in-demand private instructors and clinicians in the Pacific Northwest, and appears regularly at schools throughout the Seattle area. In 2015, Evan co-founded the Seattle Saxophone Institute, a week-long saxophone-specific summer camp for local high-school students. From 2008-2010, Evan was the saxophone coach for the Celebration Iowa Jazz Band, an elite touring student big band based out of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Prior to this, Evan spent six months studying music in Caracas, Venezuela while completing his student teaching – teaching band and general music to students aged 2-18.

Evan has enjoyed concerto appearances with the University of Northern Iowa Wind Symphony, the James Madison University Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, the University of Washington Wind Ensemble. He has recently appeared as an invited clinician at both Pacific Lutheran University and Graceland College. He has also performed in saxophone quartets the New England Saxophone Symposium and the Plowman Chamber Music Competition.