Jeffrey R. Smith

Mr. Smith has been the full-time Music Director of the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale since 2004. Originally a member of the Choir during his youth, he returned to the Choir in a professional capacity. As a musician in much demand, Smith is also the assistant conductor for Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. 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.

Under his direction, the choir has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet, and with Peter Nero and the Philly POPS. Venues have included the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. The choir has sung for Barack Obama, Laura Bush and Julie Andrews. Smith has also led the group on local and national television including Backstage with Barry Nolan, The 10! Show and Good Morning America.

In New York, Smith has 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 with the New Jersey Symphony, Opera Festival of New Jersey, Goodspeed Opera House, and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. He is a 1999 summa cum laude graduate of Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Music in composition. Smith currently resides in Haddon Township, NJ, with his wife, Carla, and their sons, Elijah and Isaac.