James Smelley | Henry Barrett Memorial Outstanding Senior Award

Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Favorite Experience: My favorite experience during my time at UA has been playing in the University’s Huxford Symphony Orchestra. The knowledge that I have gained playing very difficult, standard orchestral literature in the HSO helps to prepare me for a career in professional orchestral playing.

Favorite Professor: My favorite professor was Dr. Jon Noffsinger – the professor of saxophone and jazz studies at UA. Although my specialty is bassoon, I have been a part of the saxophone studio for the past several semesters. Dr. Noffsinger is always eager to share his wealth of knowledge – whether it be about the saxophone, music in general, history, or almost anything, really. On occasion, Dr. Noffsinger even says something funny!

Future Plans: My future plans are to obtain a Master of Music degree, then go on to play in a professional orchestra.