John Smith uses his talents and his drive to better the community while also perfecting his musical craft.

“I tell most people I’m a scientist,” Smith said. “I’m always experimenting, I’m always looking. What can I learn?”

Originally from Burlington, Iowa, John Smith has had a passion for music nearly his entire life. He plays many instruments, but said he considers himself a trombonist.

Smith is the president of the organization, Just Make It Happen, 337 Knollwood Drive. He started the organization in 2001 to bring more live band events to the community.

Smith received his undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa for math and science. After he graduated, Smith taught at the Bennett community school district for three years.

“The thing that changed my mind was when I was given a scholarship for a summer to go to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area where General Mills is, and I saw their research people, and that didn’t fit me,” Smith said. “I said I’m gonna be in music.”

After teaching music for three years, Smith went back to the University of Iowa for his masters. Once Smith completed his master’s, he decided to move to DeKalb.

“Did I want to go to a class A school, where everything was ready to go?” Smith said. “Or did I want to come to a place and build it?”

Smith decided to come to DeKalb to help improve the local school district’s band. He started teaching at DeKalb High School in 1966.

Smith was very involved in the band program at DeKalb High School. He set up music lessons, a jazz band, marching band and ensemble programs.

“We were here to help improve the program, to establish curriculum,” Smith said.

After teaching at DeKalb High School for about six years, Smith started teaching elementary schools in the DeKalb community school district. Smith taught music to elementary school students up until his retirement in 2001.

Smith isn’t just a teacher; he is a performer. He is currently a member of the DeKalb Municipal Band and Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and has been 47 and 35 years, respectively. He has been a member of a local jazz group, John Smith and the Shananigans Big Band, since 1966. Smith has also been involved in the Dixieland orchestra group, a Wing and a Prayer, for the past 20 years.

“I’m more into trying to help a group sound and fit in, and enjoy music,” Smith said.

Smith has performed in hundreds of events in 35 states and Canada. He has made it his lifelong goal to be forever improving himself and his community.

“No matter what the situation is, I want to make it better,” Smith said.