About the Director

Mr. Dillon Smith

Dillon Smith received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of South Carolina in 2018 and his Master's degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of South Carolina in 2020.  During his time at UofSC, Mr. Smith was a member of the Carolina Band, the Wind Ensemble, the Saxophone Choir, and various saxophone quartets.  During the 2017-2018 school year, Mr. Smith was the winner of the Concerto-Aria Contest and performed with the UofSC Symphony Orchestra.  In 2019, Mr. Smith was the winner of the NASA regional Soloist Competition. Mr. Smith currently performs with the Palmetto Concert Band located in Columbia, South Carolina.

From 2017-2019, Mr. Smith was on staff at White Knoll High School where he taught saxophone and marching.  The band earned 2 consecutive silver medals 4A state finals, while also making finals at several Bands of America regional competitions.  In addition to his work at White Knoll, Mr. Smith was also a 5th grade band instructor for Lexington School District 1.  In this position, he taught beginner band at Lake Murray Elementary and White Knoll Elementary. Following graduation in 2020, Mr. Smith was Director of Bands at Sandhills Middle School in Lexington School District 4.  In addition to his work at the middle school, he was also Assistant Director at Swansea High School.  Now in Greenville County, Mr. Smith serves as Director of Bands here at Beck Academy, as well as assistant director with the J. L. Mann Marching Band.   

Mr. Smith lives in Spartanburg with his wife, Leslie, and their dogs and cat.  In his free time, Mr. Smith enjoys going to the gym, going on runs, and playing video games with his friends.