Claude Thomas Smith was born on March 14, 1932, in Monroe City, Missouri, and spent most of his life in Carrollton, Missouri. After studying at Central Methodist College, he received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Kansas in 1958. Along with public school teaching in the state of Missouri, Smith also taught theory, composition, and directed the University Orchestra at Southwest Missouri State University. Smith was the recipient of many commissions and awards and was popular as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator.