DR. PHILIP SMITH One of the champions of youth in Mariposa County is facing a very difficult health challenge. Dr. Philip Smith, the long-time volunteer Grizzly Band director, has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer of the esophagus.

Smith is being treated by the Veterans’ Administration, so there is not a financial burden on his family. Family members told the GAZETTE that Smith’s “real concern seems to be the effect that his loss could have on the band program at MCHS.” The band is currently not funded by the school district, and it is highly unlikely that the district could afford to hire an instructor given the state’s and district’s current financial situation.

Smith is now undergoing radiation and chemotherapy and will have major surgery in July. His father said Smith is forging ahead. “Phil is certain he will beat this,” he said. “He has told me that he fully expects to enter the band in a full schedule of contests as well as performing their usual school and community support commitments.”

Smith not only directs the band, but has written nearly all of its performance music. The Grizzly Band has gained national acclaim under Smith’s direction, and recently traveled to Anaheim to compete in the prestigious Judges’ Invitational.

"This was a life-time memory," said Smith, "and none of it would have been possible without the support we received." The band will begin preparations for a regional festival next spring, to once again qualify for the Judges Invitational the following year.

Mariposa finished just out of the medals, in fourth place, behind Northland Prep (a private arts academy), El Segundo, and Scottsdale (Arizona). "Our kids were both disappointed at not getting a medal," Smith says, "and extremely proud of what they had accomplished." "Just the fact that we were competitive against these elite programs was a testament to our kids," said Smith. "This was our first experience at this level," he continued, "and they represented our school and community with pride, discipline and honor."

The band will hold its spring concert tonight at MCHS. Smith will be there, just as he was on Saturday, leading the band at the Memorial Day ceremony.

MCHS Principal Celeste Azevedo commented on Smith’s ongoing contribution to her students. “Dr. Smith is an inspiration to our school, to me, and to all the lives he has touched. He is a daily reminder that through dedication, focus, and perseverance you can take your passion and turn it into something bigger than yourself,” she said “We are honored to have him as part of our program, our school, and our community.”