Claude Smith received his undergraduate degree 1976 and Master in Education in 1985 from Arkansas Tech University.
His entire teaching career has been in the Searcy School District. He’s served 28 years as director of bands and the last five years in administrative positions. He is currently in his third year as principal of Searcy High School.
Smith is past president of both the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association and the Arkansas Bandmasters Association. He has served as an adjudicator/clinician throughout Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina. He maintains an active membership in Phi Beta Mu.
His bands at Searcy High School have received numerous honors, and several of his former students now teach instrumental music. In 2003, Smith was named the Arkansas Band Master of the year.
He currently serves as president of the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association. He and his wife Stacie reside in Searcy.
