Kreston Smith started playing guitar at the age of 5. He picked up the saxophone and piano as he got older and now plays all the woodwind family of instruments. He started teaching woodwinds in 1993. While teaching private lessons he went to Shelby State Community College (Southwest Tennesse) under a full paid music scholarship for two years and then transferred to the University of Memphis where he pursued his Bachelor's in Music Education. At the U of M, he also earned a full paid music scholarship.
Kreston started a music academy in 2002. Over the last four years, Bartlett Music Academy has grown to an enrollment of over 300 students and currently has 12 teachers on staff. As a result of this growth BMA opened a second location as an extension of the Singleton program at 6757 Stage Road in Bartlett. Along with BMA, Kreston is the Jazz Band Director at Arlington HIgh School.
Kreston has also worked with the Arlington High School band camp and with Appling Middle coaching groups and private sessions. His students over the years have earned Superior’s at Solo and Ensemble and have made 1st chair and 2nd chair positions in the All-west TN Band. At the 2005 All-West Band Competition, 11 out of 19 of Kreston's Students earned positions in the All-West TN Band.
Over the years Kreston has had the pleasure of studying with the following professionals:
- Allen Rippe (University of Memphis) - Classical Saxophone
- Dr. Jack Cooper (University of Memphis) - Saxophones and Jazz Improvisation
- Gary Buss (Shelby State) - Saxophones
- Gary Kendrick (University of Memphis) - woodwinds
- Michael Scott (Memphis Symphony) - Saxophones, Clarinet, Bassoon
- Charles Pender (Shelby State) - Piano
- Peggy Pardue - Piano
- Dave Lisik - Jazz Pedagogy
- David Spencer (University of Memphis) - Jazz Pedagogy and Improvisation
- Errol Thomas - Jazz Improvisation
- Donnie Allen (University of Memphis) - Trumpet, Trombone
- Dr. Sidney McKay - Conducting
- Dr. Kraig Williams (University of Memphis) - Advanced Conducting
- Art Edmaiston - Saxophones
- Julius Lartique (Raleigh Egypt Jazz Director)
- Tim Goodwin (University of Memphis) - Improvisation.
Kreston has played with a variety of ensembles including
- The University Wind Ensemble
- University of Memphis Symphonic Band
- Southern Comfort Jazz Ensemble
- Blue Ascendance
- University of Memphis Saxophone Quartet
- Leawood Baptist Orchestra
- Bellevue Baptist Orchestra
- The Sentimental Swing Band
- Jason and the Bottom line
- Jacks and Reasons
- Crosswind
- Crosspointe Baptist Church Praise Team
- Relevant Noise (Crosspointe Baptist Youth Rock Band)
- Raleigh Egypt High Jazz Band 1st Chair
He has also recorded with Bryan Neal, Billy Reasons, Kevin Hallmann, Tony Thomas and Dale McClain. Kreston also has conducted the University of Memphis Wind Ensemble. Most recently, Kreston was a judge for the Mid-South Fair Preliminary Talent Contest in Millington, TN and Bartlett, TN.
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