La La Lisette

healthy lifestyle blog

You are here: Home / Lifestyle / David: In memoriam

Lifestyle ·

David: In memoriam

This post may contain affiliate links and/or PR samples.
Four years ago today, I woke up at 3 AM for an all-day job interview. I shouldn’t have checked that e-mail before hopping in the shower. With dread, I knew what it was before I opened it.  Nothing good can come from a 3 AM e-mail from CaringBridge. But, like Pandora, my curiosity got the best of me. After I read it, I could only sob in the shower. Our beloved Dave had passed away, his body no longer able to fight the second round of chemo for his leukemia. Dave was only in his 40s. Still young by many measures, with many goals left unmet. He had the voice of ten angels. Not many people can say they studied with a Heldentenor.
David W. Smith, Heldentenor
One of his headshots he had his students help pick out.

He could light up a room just with a smile. He could never sneak up on you, for his huge and resonating voice could be heard from anywhere in the university. Busy practicing in one of the “sound proof” practice rooms? He’d pull you out just to chat. That or make faces at you through the 12×12 window, rendering your practice time over. He was impossible! His door was always open when he had down time (he hated being alone). His voice studio was usually filled with students, gossiping or otherwise having a good time.

UMBC Vocal Arts Studio, David Smith
Post-performance with the Vocal Arts ensemble. A Night of Mozart, I believe.

Many times he’d catch me waiting for my next class and ask for help.  On his computer.  He jokingly called himself “computer-illiterate.” I still remember him typing with just his index fingers :) I even had to help him upload his Facebook profile picture. Oh, Dave.

Opera singer at an ice-cream truck
“How much for 20 ice-cream cones?”

This man was responsible for organizing a huge performance trip for the Maryland Camerata.  We traveled to New York City to sing at the one and only, Carnegie Hall. It was amazing. No pictures were allowed in the beautiful hall, so I can’t show you that. However, one of the most memorable moments was Dave going up to an ice-cream truck asking, “How much for 20 ice-cream cones?” The truck driver must not have believed him, because Dave had to repeat himself. Dave, always so selfless.

After my Junior Recital.  Please ignore my awkward and cheesy smile!

Our voice lessons were therapeutic for me. Many times I joked with him that he should be a psychologist or psychotherapist. Why? Oftentimes my voice lessons were more venting than just singing. He encouraged it, knowing that whatever was bothering me would affect my singing. He was like a second dad for me. He gave me such insight into things that were bothering me, and was always willing to lend advice–but only if I wanted it. We spent so many hours together between voice lessons, Camerata rehearsals, Vocal Arts rehearsals, and chatting over lunch. Yep, I was the nerd who had lunch with her college professor. We were usually joined by other classmates of mine. The man was always at the center of a party. He couldn’t help it.

UMBC Maryland Camerata with Kenny Rogers
Christmas concert with Kenny Rogers, Baltimore Hippodrome.

March 15, 2009 came only two weeks before my wedding day.  To say I was devastated was an understatement. My job interview was fruitless, as I was in emotional turmoil. It consisted of numerous interviews and teaching a 5-minute lesson for a chance at a teaching job in Baltimore. That March was filled with wedding planning, a wake, a funeral, a bridal shower, and a wedding.  My family wondered if I would have been happy on my wedding day. Of course I was. My friend, OJ, did a wonderful job singing at our ceremony. However, he wasn’t alone. I heard Dave, singing along from heaven, right beside OJ.

Dave, I knew you were up there in the choir loft.
Thank you, Dave.
Thank you for inspiring us when we felt uninspired. For boosting our spirits when we were down. For being a cheerleader when when we needed it. For being goofy with your students and not a stuffy college professor. For all of the laughs, and for all of the magic that comes along with creating music. For teaching us, by example, integrity in the music business.
For helping the Siren inside this soprano break through the barriers that held her in.
Thank you, Dave…for being you.
Now, “Behave yourself!”
(One of the last times I sang under his direction:)
I am at the far right, next to the UMBC Mascot.

Linking up with Friday’s Letters

You’ll Also Love

Grazie Mille
How to become a member of the bone marrow registryBe the Match: Become a member of the Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Rufus & Coco "Sea Me Shine" and "2in1 Oatmeal Wash"
Safer Grooming Products for your Pups by Rufus & Coco

About the Author

Lisette Harrington Jacksonville, Florida blogger - La La Lisette

Lisette Harrington writes about her love of fitness, beauty favorites, home décor, and her two pups, Chip and Daisy. When she's not blogging, gardening, or working out, she is helping medical spas and aesthetic elevate their brands and websites at Mila Design Co.

Learn more →

Subscribe

Subscribe to updates and get access to my free library of resources!

Comments

  5. Such a beautiful tribute. My college choir director, Dr. B (who was also the organist at my wedding) died a year and a half ago, one day before my dad also died. My dad said that he knew his job in heaven would be lead bass in the heavenly choir (even though his singing voice was awful!) and I like to think that Dr. B is directing.

  7. This post is great! I didn’t know you were a singer, or maybe I did and just didn’t pay too much attention. Voice teachers really are some of the greatest people out there! I can’t wait until I can fit lessons back into my budget because I miss studying with mine!

    Amberly
    amberlyandjoe.blogspot.com

  9. Your love for him was portrayed perfectly in this post and brought tears to my eyes…absolutely beautiful tribute Lisette!

  12. I’m visiting from Aloha Friday. Glad to connect. Please join me on my Friday Flash Blog on The Jenny Evolution (www.thejennyevolution.com) as well and share your favorite post of the week. Happy Friday :-)

  13. BAH! Practically bawling over here. What an impact our music teachers have on us! Its amazing…I once let myself venture to think that in the future I could also have that impact on younger musicians and I can’t even fathom..!! A beautiful tribute to such an important person in your life :) Thanks for sharing!

    paigebrownflute.blogspot.com

  16. I’m sorry for your loss. My high school choir teacher passed away last year after a very long battle with breast cancer. He was an amazing teacher, friend and role model. I hate cancer.

    Loved listening to the group sing.

  17. Lisette, I read this Friday afternoon while on a work break and it brought me to tears. Your post was so perfectly well written and I’ve been praying for your dear friend since then.

  18. I can’t say much that someone hasn’t said but I truly enjoyed reading this memorial. I know the pain of losing loved ones. I pray for your healing heart…for he will always have a place there!!

Copyright © 2012-2026 La La Lisette · Mila Design Co.