VINCE
SMITH

Vincent J. Smith was born and raised in Memphis, TN. A life-long musician, his passion for playing the drums was obvious at the tender age of 1-year old. He was afforded the opportunity to hone this craft by playing drums at his home church, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Walls, MS. He continued to play for multiple churches throughout the community and discovered his enthusiasm for marching ensembles while attending Havenview Middle school. However, his fervor for percussion intensified during his era as a member of the Whitehaven High “Sounds of Perfection” Marching Band (WHS); thus, the bona fide beginning of his musical endeavors. During his 4-year participation with “Sounds of Perfection”, the marching band earned numerous First Place/Overall accolades and recognitions, including the All-West Honors.

After high school graduation, Vince began his collegiate marching band juncture with Tennessee State University “The Aristocrats of Band” Marching Band (TSU-AOB) in 2007-2008. As an active member of the TSU-AOB, he was privileged and obligated academically to an extensive travel schedule to perform at numerous parades, collegiate, NFL, and other related events. He also performed with the TSU Percussion Ensemble and TSU Jazz Band.

Upon returning to Memphis, Vince elected to assist his alma mater’s percussion section. He acquired full responsibility as the Percussion Instructor of Whitehaven High in 2010, one of the accomplished milestones of his musical journey. Shortly thereafter, he was introduced to his wife, Jameela O. Jones (Smith) who also became his greatest motivator, supporter, and inspiration. She was instrumental in encouraging him to continued to pursue his hopes and dreams of acquiring a role/position in an official capacity with a drum company. Regrettably, Mrs. Smith transitioned to heaven on February 4, 2022, following a short illness. Although Vince is extremely grateful to have acquired another ambition on his musical journey, this achievement is bittersweet because his beloved wife, Jameela, is no longer here to celebrate this accomplishment with him.

During his tenure as the Whitehaven High Percussion Instructor, Vince has elevated the level of expectation for high school percussion sections in the Southeast region of the United States. Under his guidance, the percussion section coined, “The Whitehaven Funk-A-Holics”, has been one of the most influential high school components over the past several years. Furthermore, Vince hosts one of the pinnacle drum line competitions annually at WHS. This event features several high school and collegiate percussion programs which fellowship and battle for top honors and scholarship networking opportunities.

Additionally, Vince served as the Percussion Instructor at Coahoma Community College “The Marching Maroon Typhoon” Band (CCC) located in Clarksdale, MS from 2018-2021. During this span, Vince was influential in assisting the expansion of this program from a 25-piece to a 140-piece band within 18 months. As of fall, 2021, Vince is currently the Percussion Instructor of Lane College “The Quiet Storm” Marching Band (LC) located in Jackson, TN. With the support and leadership of Christopher Jefferson, Director of Bands, the staff is preparing to elevate this marching band program to an unprecedented new level.

Vince has organized multiple percussion clinics which featured Professor Johnny Lee Lane, professional drummers, and other collegiate Percussion Instructors. Vince is a true believer that drums and the music thereof can change lives and he has given his all to uplift his community and students alike.

“Keep the chops alive!”
~ Vince Smith_11:22