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Senior Chief
Petty Officer Bruce W. Smith, USN
Percussionist, Naval Academy Band
Senior Chief
Musician Bruce Smith is a native of El Reno, Oklahoma. He attended the
University of Oklahoma and graduated with a bachelor of music degree in
1984. While an undergraduate student, he was the Concerto Competition
winner in 1983. He continued his education at Western Kentucky University
where he earned a master of music degree in 1986. He performed with the
Bowling Green Symphony, the Billy Vaughn Orchestra, and the Hilltopper
Dinner Theatre. Senior Chief Smith was also assistant conductor for the Western
Kentucky University Percussion Ensemble, and percussion instructor at
Bowling Green High School.
Senior Chief Smith enlisted in the Navy Music Program and graduated from the
Navy School of Music Basic Course in 1987 with a letter of commendation.
His first tour of duty was with Navy Band New Orleans where he performed
as Lead Pan player with the Navy Steel Drum Band. Collateral duties included
serving as rehearsal conductor, loadmaster, and transportation Petty Officer
for the Steel Band. He was named Sailor of the Quarter and received another
letter of commendation.
In 1990, Senior Chief Smith was accepted for duty with the U. S. Naval Academy
Band as auxiliary percussionist with the band's contemporary music ensemble, "Electric Brigade." Currently, he serves as percussion instrumentalist
with the Concert Band. He also performs as percussionist with marching
and ceremonial units and the percussion ensemble. His past collateral
duties have included Command Career Counselor, Transportation, Operations
Assistant, Master at Arms, Safety Officer, and Administration Assistant.
He currently serves as the Career Information Program Manager, responsible
for overseeing auditions, career counseling, education, and training.
He also shares the duties as Unit Awards Writer. He has three times been
named Sailor of the Quarter, and twice Sailor of the Year receiving letters
of commendation each time.
In 2002, Senior Chief Smith completed training and became certified as a Career
Development Facilitator through the National Career Development Association.
He is also a trained facilitator for the Career Options and Navy Skills
Evaluation Program (CONSEP). He completed CONSEP facilitator training
for Mid-Career Sailors at Groton, CT in 2002, and First Term Sailors at
Great Lakes, IL in 2004. In 2005, Senior Chief Smith furthered his education
and graduated with a certification as a Human Resource Manager through
the University of Phoenix. Senior Chief Smith shares his training for the betterment
of the sailors in the Annapolis Area Complex facilitating CONSEP as part
of the curriculum offered by Fleet and Family Support Center. He is also
the Assistant Program Manager for the Drug Education For Youth (DEFY)
at Naval Support Activity Annapolis. Recently, Senior Chief Smith assumed duties
as the Test Control Officer for the Naval Academy Complex.
His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards),
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards); Navy Good Conduct (five
awards); National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Global War On Terrorism
Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy Expert
Rifleman Medal, and Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal.
Senior Chief Smith is an adjunct music faculty member at Anne Arundel Community
College and Washington Bible College. He is also director of handbell
choirs at Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis. Senior Chief Smith serves
as the Personnel Director on the Naval Academy Primary School board of
directors and as the Vice President of the Annapolis Area Chief Petty
Officers Association. In his off-duty hours Senior Chief Smith enjoys spending
time with his family and cooking.
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