Henry Charles Smith . III

HENRY CHARLES SMITH III

Age 90 of Roseville, formerly of Edina and Philadelphia, PA. Preceded in death by wife, Mary

Jane. Survived by loving wife, Norma Jean Falink; daughters Kathy Shelley and Pamm Smith,

son Henry Charles (Elizabeth Campeau) Smith IV; grandchildren Arthur Guy (CJ) Shelley III,

Aaron (Shannon) Shelley, Elijah (Samantha) Shelley, Katelynne (Maurice) Shelley-Williams,

Abraham Shelley, Linhmarie Smith, Minh Smith and Teagan Burch; 12 great-grandchildren;

sister, Ruth Leach; Norma Jean's children, Robert Falink, Ruth (Nate) Kerl, David (Nikki) Falink,

4 step-grandchildren and many dear friends and family.

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 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 at Arizona State University.

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.

Beloved by all who knew him, personally and professionally, Henry Charles Smith leaves a

legacy of love for his music, and love for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

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.