The 91·çÃùÄñ³ª's, College of Liberal Art's School of Music is thrilled to welcome Spencer Hannibal-Smith into a new full-time role as assistant director of bands and operations manager for University Bands. Though he's a familiar face to many, having already contributed significantly in part-time roles, his new position formally recognizes his leadership and passion for student-centered music education.
In this expanded capacity, Hannibal-Smith will conduct the Nevada Concert Winds, assist with teaching the Wolf Pack Marching Band and oversee logistics and operations for all University Band activities from performance travel and hotel planning to scholarship recruitment and admissions support. It’s a role that merges his administrative savvy with his musical vision.
“I’ve already been working closely with the bands part-time since 2021,” said Hannibal-Smith. “So stepping into this full-time position feels like a natural next step. I’ll get to teach more, connect with students even more deeply and help grow the program in meaningful ways.”
Originally from Riverside, California, Hannibal-Smith began his journey in music as a trombone player, finding early inspiration from his middle school band director, Anne Hendrickson. Her mentorship led him to pursue a degree in music education at Fresno State, where he began building his philosophy as both an educator and a conductor.
“I look back so fondly on my undergraduate years — being in marching band, playing in wind ensemble — it shaped me,” Hannibal-Smith said. “I want to give my students that same kind of high-quality, enriching, memorable experience.”
After three years of teaching in Clovis Unified, he came to Reno to pursue a master’s degree in Wind Band Conducting. Since graduating, he’s remained deeply embedded in the local music community, teaching, conducting and supporting the University’s band operations in multiple capacities.
Hannibal-Smith brings both heart and vision to his work. His approach to teaching is guided by a clear mission: to create an inclusive, energizing and musically excellent environment that students will carry with them long after graduation.
In his new role, he's also looking forward to deepening community connections. “I’ve already built relationships within the Northern Nevada performing arts community,” he said. “Now, I want to develop consistent outreach and share with the local programs what the University Bands and the whole School of Music have to offer. I want younger students to see the possibilities and feel inspired.”
Recruitment and visibility are key priorities, and Hannibal-Smith hopes to grow the Wolf Pack Marching Band in both size and campus presence. “With more members in the band, we can have a stronger and more regular presence at various events to increase our presence in campus life, beyond football games. We want to be a fixture in the broader University community.”
Ultimately, his vision is as much about people as it is about music. “I’ve developed so many incredible relationships here and I feel very honored to continue that work in this new capacity,” he said. “This is my alma mater. I’m excited to give back and help the School of Music thrive.”
Welcome, Spencer Hannibal-Smith. The Wolf Pack is lucky to have you in concert.
