Clifton Smith is an instrumental music teacher at Lincoln-Way East High School. He conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in piano, percussion, and music technology.

In 2001, Mr. Smith left Lincoln-Way Community High School after serving five years as Director of Bands. He returns to Lincoln-Way East from the University of Miami in Florida where he has been pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting. While a student at Miami, Mr. Smith served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, instructing students in basic conducting technique and conducting the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Woodwind Chamber Ensemble. He will continue to complete his doctoral degree while fulfilling his duties at Lincoln-Way East High School.

Prior to his first appointment at Lincoln-Way, Mr. Smith held the Donald R. Shepherd Chair in Conducting at the University of Michigan. In that role he was the Assistant Director of the Michigan Marching Band and was the interim coordinator of percussion studies.
An avid clinician and adjudicator, Mr. Smith was most recently conductor of the Broward County (Florida) Honors High School All-County Band. He currently holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Auburn University (Alabama) and a Master of Percussion Performance from the University of Michigan.

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