Jeffrey R. Smith Music Director
An alumnus and former president of Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, Smith returned as full-time Associate Director in September 2002. In 2004 he stepped in to the position of Artistic Director, replacing the Founder and Artistic Director of 37 years, Dr. Robert Hamilton. He is a 1999 summa cum laude graduate of Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Music in Composition.
After graduation, Smith moved to the New York City area, and played on Broadway for Jane Eyre and Off-Broadway for Summer‘69, Taking a Chance on Love, Abie's Island Rose, and Suburb. His arrangements have been performed Off-Broadway as well as by the Ocean City Pops and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and can be heard on the cast recording of Taking a Chance on Love (Original Cast Records). While in New York, he also played for Bette Midler and Tony-Award nominees Rebecca Luker, Mark Jacoby, and Judy Kaye. In 2003 he conducted the NYSSMA Dutchess County Area All-State Children’s Chorus and he has played piano with the New Jersey Symphony, Opera Festival of New Jersey, Goodspeed Opera House, and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.
Smith is also the assistant conductor for Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. In June 2007 he made his Philly Pops conducting debut, filling in for Nero at the opening performance of The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, starring Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday.
John B. Stroud, Jr. Associate Music Director
John Stroud has been a member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale since 1988. Stroud’s current duties as Associate Director include assisting in rehearsals, working with the boys individually, conducting the choir in the absence of the Artistic Director and directing the Beginning Cadet Program. Stroud graduated summa cum laude from Susquehanna University in May 2000 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. At Susquehanna, he studied choral conducting with Mr. Cyril Stretansky and instrumental conducting with Dr. Valerie Martin. Stroud graduated from Temple University in May 2002 with a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting. At Temple, Stroud was a student of Mr. Alan Harler and was the recipient of Temple University’s Elaine Brown Tribute Award. Currently, Stroud teaches music at The Haverford School in Haverford Pennsylvania and is also the Artistic Director of the Media Chamber Chorale in Media Pennsylvania. |