Meet the Musician | Jenna Smith

When did you join WASO and where did you play before then?

I joined WASO in 2019 as Associate Principal Trumpet after 2 years of the Sydney Symphony Fellowship Program. 

Can you remember your first WASO concert?

My very first WASO performance was as a casual trumpet in 2018. We played Debussy’s La Mer and it was great because the program was about 6 weeks before my WASO Associate Principal Trumpet audition, so I could get to know the hall and how the Orchestra played before I auditioned for a full-time position. 

Do you have any stand out concerts or performances in your time with WASO?

One of my favourite performances with WASO was playing Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto (2024). Usually the trumpets sit at the back of the Orchestra and so it was such a thrill to stand at the front of the Orchestra and play a concerto! 

Another special performance was Mahler’s Third Symphony in 2022 with Asher Fisch. It was one of my last performances as Associate Principal Trumpet. I played the offstage post horn solo part, and I had the privilege of sitting side stage after I had finished playing and listening to the final movement of the symphony from there by myself. It was a bittersweet moment because I was going to miss my former Principal Trumpet colleague so much, but it also marked a new chapter for me in my musical journey. It’s such beautiful music and my colleagues’ playing brought me to tears side stage. 

Do you have a shortlist of works or composers that you love to play the most?

Mahler is by far my favourite composer. I’m a typical trumpet player who loves Strauss, Prokofiev and Wagner, as well. I love playing works by Australian composers like Nigel Westlake, Elena Kats-Chernin and WA’s own Lachlan Skipworth. 

What is your top piece of advice for students interested in pursuing a career as a trumpet player?

My top advice for aspiring trumpet players is to go out and get feedback about your playing as often as you can, and from as many different musicians (not just trumpet players) as you can. Approach your practise with honesty and discipline but don’t wait for your playing to be “perfect” or “right” before getting feedback. 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would choose to have with you?

If I was stranded on a deserted island I would bring my husband and my two dogs!