Debra Smith has extensive experience in the music industry as a performer, educator, producer, arranger, and director. She started playing steel pan professionally at the age of 13 with her father, touring throughout the US and worldwide. As a steel band arranger, she has won six times in the Panorama Competition. Debra has also been a performer and lecturer on Holland America cruise lines, sharing Caribbean culture and the origins of steel pan and carnival. She loves teaching and has led many local school programs, as well as presenting lectures at various schools throughout New England. Debra is the leader of the multi-award winning group Dis-N-Dat Band. Teaching is a passion of hers as she strives to spread Caribbean culture and knowledge of the steel pan.

 

  • 2nd Place, International Music Festival Oklahoma City,1983
  • Joe Higgs Music Award for Best Performing Group, 2008
  • N.E.U.M.A Best Caribbean Group, 2009
  • Dis-N-Dat Band, leader/manager 2000-present
  • Pan United Steel Band, Assistant Musical Director, 2003-present
  • The Black Lobster Salem MA performer, 2003-present
  • Hartford Steel Symphony, music arranger/producer, 1992-2019
  • Holland America Cruise lines performer/lecturer on Caribbean culture, 2013-2018
  • Bahama Breeze lead musician (one woman band), 2011-2016
  • P.A.C.E All A’s afterschool music and percussion teacher program, 2011-2014
  • The Island Merchant Hyannis MA performer, 2006-2013
  • Roxbury Community College, Music Production Teacher (Pro Tools/Reason) for Upward Bound program, 2004-2006