Distinguished musician Wadada Leo Smith, both a composer and trumpeter, to be honored with UCLA's prestigious medal
Wadada Leo Smith, an American trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, is set to receive UCLA's highest honour – the UCLA Medal – on November 8. This prestigious award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to art, letters, science, or service.
Smith, born in Leland, Mississippi in 1941, has had a distinguished career spanning over six decades. He began his musical journey at the tender age of 13, performing with his stepfather, bluesman Alex Wallace. His formal musical education includes stints with the U.S. Military band program, the Sherwood School of Music, and Wesleyan University.
Smith's innovative approach to music composition is evident in his development of a unique graphic notation system called Ankhrasmation, which broadens traditional music composition methods. This system has been used in many of his compositions, including the influential Ten Freedom Summers, for which he was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Music.
Smith's influence extends beyond his compositions. He has held numerous residencies and teaching appointments at various universities, including Baylor University, Miami University, University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Pittsburgh, and Princeton Atelier. His work exemplifies the intersection of theory and creativity, as encouraged at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where he will be in residence beginning November 4.
During his residency, Smith will present a series of events on campus, including an excerpt from his Four Symphonies featuring Smith on trumpet, UCLA professor Nina Sun Eidsheim on vocals, and California Institute of the Arts professor Vicki Ray on piano. The UCLA Medal Ceremony and concert will take place at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where Smith will also be highlighted through performances of his String Quartet No. 9, movement 3 Angela Davis, and one movement from his String Quartet No. 11, movement 5, UCLA Music Library with the RedKoral Quartet.
Smith's most recent recording is 2019's "Rosa Parks: Pure Love, an Oratorio of Seven Songs." His body of work has been recognised with numerous awards, including the 2016 Doris Duke Artist Award, an honorary doctorate from CalArts, and the 2016 Mohn Award for Career Achievement from the Hammer Museum at UCLA. In 2017, he topped three categories in the DownBeat International Critics Poll: Best Jazz Artist, Trumpeter of the Year, and Jazz Album of the Year.
Smith's 2016 recording, "America's National Parks," earned a place on numerous best of the year lists. His work has also been celebrated for its scholarly significance, with him being named Faculty Emeritus at CalArts.
Smith's influence continues to be felt in the contemporary music scene, as seen in the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Music being awarded to Tyshawn Sorey for a piece dedicated to Wadada Leo Smith, indicating his impact on composers of today.
On November 8, the UCLA community will gather to honour Wadada Leo Smith, a true pioneer in jazz and creative music, with the UCLA Medal Ceremony. It promises to be an evening of exceptional music and recognition of a remarkable career.
Wadada Leo Smith, beyond his acclaimed compositions in jazz and creative music, has also been a dedicated educator and self-developer, holding numerous residencies and teaching appointments at various universities, such as Baylor University, Miami University, University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Pittsburgh, and Princeton Atelier. His work embodies the intersection of theory and creativity, mirroring the ethos of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music where he will be in residence. (education-and-self-development)
In addition to his contributions to music composition, Wadada Leo Smith's innovative approach to music, evidenced in his development of Ankhrasmation, has also impacted the entertainment industry. His work, including the influential Ten Freedom Summers, has been showcased in various concerts and events, providing a unique blend of music and entertainment. (entertainment, music)
