Faculty

A graduate of South Portland High School, Kyle has been the Band Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine since 2006. Prior to is appointment at Westbrook High School he was the Band Director at Biddeford High School. Mr. Smith received his Bachelors of Music in Music Education degree, by scholarship for musical excellence, from the University of New Hampshire. He earned a graduate degree scholarship and teaching assistantship for his masters degree in Music Education with a concentration in conducting from the university, studying under Dr. Andrew Boysen Jr. , Dr. William Kempster, and Dr. Thomas Keck. Mr. Smith is the past Vice President of the Maine Band Directors Association, as well as the Instrumental Jazz Chair for the Maine Music Educators Association. He serves as a manager for jazz bands and concert bands for MMEA at the district and state levels.While at the University of New Hampshire, Mr. Smith was a member of the Wind Symphony, performing under composer Dr. Andrew Boysen Jr., as well as composer and guest conductor Timothy Mahr. He was also a member of the Jazz Ensemble, and had the opportunity to perform with Clark Terry, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, and Benny Green in addition to many other professional jazz musicians. Mr. Smith was also an active staff member of the Summer Youth Music School (SYMS), conducting high school concert and jazz bands.

The Westbrook Music Department has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for the outstanding musicianship that the musicians show. Recent honors include performances by the Wind Ensemble at Merrill Auditorium with the University of Maine Symphonic Band, and  at the MMEA All State Conference (2009, 2011 with Mr. Samuel R. Hazo, and 2013 with Dr. Andrew Boysen.)  In 2013 the Westbrook High School Wind Ensemble was selected as one of two performing ensembles to perform at the National Association for Music Education's (NAFME) All Eastern Conference.

Mr Smith serves as the manager for Maine Music Educators at the All State Festival, All State Jazz Festival, District One Concert Band Festival and District One Jazz Band Festival.  He also hosts a weekly podcast called "The Growing Band Director Podcast."

Kyle lives in Westbrook with his wife Krystle, Director of Bands at Westbrook Middle School, his daughter Addison and son Jack.

Recent recognitions

Finalist for Cumberland County Teacher of the Year 2020, 2021.

Host of "The Growing Band Director Podast"

Chosen as a guest conductor at the Maine District Two, Three, Five and Six District, and New Hampshire Southeast District Honor Concert and Jazz Band High School and Middle School Festivals.  

Awarded as the representative from the state of Maine in School Band and Orchestra's magazine article “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” 

                                                        Marching Band Staff

Krystle Smith, Director of Bands, Westbrook Middle School smithkr@westbrookschools.org    

Jess Krupnek - Visual Coordinator jkrupnek@gmail.com

Jeff Smith, Drill Designer Retired Director of Bands, Norwalk HS jswolfeboronh@gmail.com

John O’Hara, Composer, Front Ensemble, Field Audio johnbohara1@gmail.com

Missy Shabo, Woodwinds, Director of Bands, Cape Elizabeth Middle School mshabo@capeelizabethschools.org

Gabe Hirst, Percussion Hirstga2020@gmail.com

Adam Newton, Brass, Director of Bands, Gardiner Middle School anewton@msad11.org

Janaye Holt, Color Guard hjanaye@gmail.com

John O’Hara, Composer, Front Ensemble, Field Audio johnbohara1@gmail.com

Jess Newton, Front Ensemble, Drill Instructor jnewton@svrsu.org