Henry Charles Smith III, 90, passed away on September 8, 2021. Henry began his career as Principal Trombonist of the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, and was a founding member of the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, which received a Grammy Award in 1969 for "Best Classical Record of the Year." He graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music and the University of Pennsylvania, and was conferred an honorary Doctorate from Augustana College. Henry attended the National Music Camp (now Interlochen Arts Camp) for the first time in 1948, and made Interlochen his summer home for 38 years, serving 16 of those years as the music director of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra.



After 12 seasons of live performances, recording sessions and concert tours with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Henry left to pursue his passions for conducting and pedagogy. He graced the podium of the Minnesota Orchestra as Associate Conductor for 18 years, also serving as Director of Educational Outreach-he was the public face of the orchestra. He also conducted the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Bach Society of Minnesota, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, and many more.

For 12 years, he was at the helm of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, elevating the status of the organization and spearheading the creation of a world-class cultural arts center. For that, he was beloved in the community and earned the mantle of Conductor Emeritus. Henry influenced thousands of young musicians though his work as a founder, clinician and guest conductor for the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, and conducted all-state bands, orchestras and choruses across the nation. He also mentored conductors at the University of Iowa's Conductors Workshops of America.



Additionally, he served on the faculties of the Curtis Institute of Music, Temple University, Indiana University, the University of Texas, St. Olaf, Northwestern and Bethel Colleges, and was Professor Emeritus in the School of Music at ASU.



A champion of low brass instruments, Henry commissioned the Symphony No. 29 for Baritone Horn by Alan Hovhaness and performed the world premiere in 1977. Additionally, he commissioned Lyric Suite by Donald White and Charles Forsberg's Serenade for Euphonium and Orchestra.

Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane. He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Falink, two daughters, a son, eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister, three of Norma Jean's children, four step-grandchildren and many dear friends and family. Memorials preferred to Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, NC Little Hospice, and Philadelphia Orchestra Retirees and Friends. Celebration of life to be announced at a later date. (Source: ASU Foundation)