By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

When Diane Smith retired from being a school counselor, she knew where she wanted to turn her focus. For more than a decade, she has been filling our local area with beautiful melodies and teaching others to do the same.

‘I went back to my first love — music,’ said Smith. ‘My first degree was in music.’

In addition to her training as a music educator, Smith plays the flute, guitar, keyboard, bass, saxophone and clarinet.

For more than 15 years Smith has been the director of the Twin Tiers Community Band.

She also plays in many other local bands including Octaves Jazz Band in Olean, N.Y., Allegany (N.Y.) Alumni Band and Rushford (N.Y.) Town Band.

On Sundays, you can catch her on keyboard at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in her hometown, Port Allegany.

In addition, she often plays in communities across the area, including Bradford and Salamanca, Cuba and Wellsville in New York. She can frequently be found playing in the orchestra pit for many high school productions at many schools including Port Allegany High School, Bradford Area High School and Salamanca High School.

Most recently, she played music for the Willy Wonka production at Bradford Area High School. She is set to play for the upcoming productions of ‘Tuck Everlasting’ for Bradford Little Theatre, ‘The Addams Family Musical: School Edition’ in Port Allegany and ‘HMS Pinafore’ for Olean Community Theater.

Smith was first inspired to learn to play by her elementary music teacher, Mrs. Slack.

‘She really inspired me and it was interesting because one of my first jobs out of college was to be her substitute,’ said Smith. ‘That was my first teaching position and I learned then that music was extremely important.’

One of her favorite things about music is the way that it reaches all people, regardless of background or age.

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Diane Smith has directed the Twin Tiers Community Band for more than 15 years.

Photo provided e “In the community band, we have members who are students in junior high all the way up to senior citizens,” said Smith. “I just love to bring those talents together.”

As a director, she appreciates the dedication shown by members of the Twin Tiers Community Band. There are 35 to 40 members who regularly play together. The band practices at 9 a.m. Saturdays, playing a selection of music from all decades and across all genres. They perform about five to eight shows a year throughout the area, including in Port Allegany, Bradford, Smethport and Coudersport, and at Crook Farm.

Smith started in the community band as a flute player but stepped into the director position once it was vacated. Her background in music education served her well as a band director.

“I didn’t know at first if I would enjoy directing but I have come to love it,” said Smith.

She said she is constantly listening to new concert music in an attempt to pick the best pieces to perform each season. The Twin Tiers Community Band shares a library with other local community bands, so there is a lot to choose from.

“I love pushing them to be the best that they can be,” said Smith. “Every year I try to take them a bit out of their comfort zone and challenge them a little.”

One of her favorite moments as a director is seeing that instant when the music clicks with a musician, or reaches an audience.

“If we play a really emotional piece and there is that moment of silence at the end before the audience starts to clap, I know that we have reached them,” said Smith. “Those are the moments that make me start to tear up.”

Smith knows that the benefits of playing music are bountiful.

“Music teaches discipline and empathy — playing together promotes teamwork, cooperation and strengthens social bonds,” said Smith. “Playing an instrument is something that people can enjoy for their whole lives because there is always something new to learn.”

That is one reason that Smith is a big believer in keeping strong, robust music programs in schools.

“Music teaches our brain to think in new ways because music is math; it is history; it tells our stories,” said Smith. “We are not going to have wonderful orchestras and phenomenal bands if we don’t start these musicians somewhere.”

The benefits of music also extend to the audience. Live performances from our friends and neighbors help keep our community strong. Smith encourages everyone to try and listen to more live music, especially from local musicians.

“I am so proud to live in this area where we have so many community groups who are playing a great selection of music — there is something for everyone,” said Smith.

The Twin Tiers Community Band is always looking for new members. They can be found on Facebook.

“I tell people that it doesn’t matter if they haven’t touched that instrument in the back of their closet for 10 years — there is still a place for you!” said Smith. “Come out and play with us.”