Sweet Harmony
Love of music inspires Jordan Randall Smith to spread the joy . By Lisa Simeone
“ Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast .” The words of William Congreve , often quoted and more often misquoted , still resonate 300 years after they were written , because people still respond to music . They ’ re often passionate about it . So passionate , they ’ ll even travel long distances and pay lots of money to hear it .
It ’ s that passion that Jordan Smith hopes
NAME : Jordan Randall Smith
INNOVATION : Bringing classical music concerts to underserved populations
AGE : 34 HOME : Mt . Vernon
OCCUPATION : Orchestra Conductor , PhD candidate at Peabody Conservatory
HOBBIES : Running , reading , checking out breweries , listening to expert talks on YouTube
FUN FACT : Had an epiphany about symphonic music while marching in his high school band ’ s drumline
TWITTER HANDLE : @ symphno1 to ignite in audiences in West Baltimore with free concerts by his ensemble , Symphony Number One . Smith is the Founder and Music Director of this chamber orchestra , which has drawn musicians not only from the Peabody Conservatory , where Smith is a PhD candidate , but from across the country .
Classical music has long borne a reputation as an art form enjoyed only by wealthy , white audiences . Smith believes that reputation is outdated . For one thing , you ’ ll see plenty of black and brown faces in Symphony Number One . For another , the excitement of a live concert , with musicians close enough to touch , is , Smith says , a draw in and of itself .
“ I believe there ’ s a hunger for this kind of experience ,” he says . “ Our hope is that whatever we do , an audience looks forward to our arrival .” That arrival might be in a homeless shelter , a rec center , or a public park . Smith is partnering with organizations such as Coppin and Morgan State Universities and Innovation Village to identify appropriate venues .
When it comes to classical music , Smith pg . 25