Family Plays Multiple Instruments in the Orchestra at Temple Square

In 1999, Bassoonist Christian Smith received a call about joining a newly formed Orchestra at Temple Square. President Gordon B. Hinckley had approved an all-volunteer orchestra and the roster was beginning to take shape. Smith's skills as a bassoonist were needed and he was put on the roster though his first official concert was in January 2001, due to him still attending school. Smith has been performing with the Orchestra ever since, which was the beginning of what would eventually become a family affair.

Currently, two of Smith’s daughters (Aubrey Woods and Danielle Thompson) and son-in-law (Alex Woods) perform in the Orchestra alongside him. Soon after Smith joined the Orchestra, his daughter Aubrey joined as a violinist. Orchestra leadership made a rare exception to allow her to join.

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