MEET ISRAEL “Izzy” smith
One Young Man.
Many Ways of Becoming.
Israel Smith is a homeschooled scholar, trombonist, youth leader, and emerging teaching artist from Atlanta, Georgia.
A member of the Class of 2030, Israel is intentionally creating a high school experience that connects academics with the work he wants to do in the world.
His education happens through books and research, as well as through rehearsals, performances, leadership programs, community service, travel, entrepreneurship, conversations, and real-world experiences.
This website documents that journey.
the young man
Israel has been homeschooled for much of his education and is now completing a high school program designed around four larger goals:
College Readiness
Knowledge of Self
Financial Independence
Knowledge of Origins
Rather than treating high school simply as four years to complete, his education is designed as preparation for adulthood.
That means developing his academic abilities while also learning how to communicate professionally, manage responsibilities, serve his community, make decisions, pursue opportunities, develop his talents, and gradually take ownership of his life.
THE MUSICIAN
Trombone has become one of the central languages of Israel's life.
He performs with the Jonesboro High School Majestic Marching Cardinals and trains with the AMP Junior Youth Orchestra, gaining experience across marching and orchestral environments.
His long-term vision reaches beyond performing.
Israel is interested in becoming a professional trombonist and teaching artist, with growing interests in music theory, arranging, composition, and helping beginning musicians understand how music works.
His high school years are being used intentionally to develop not only his musicianship, but the professional foundation necessary to become a working artist.
That includes building his repertoire, résumé, recordings, digital presence, professional communication skills, teaching experience, and understanding of the music business.
[EXPLORE MUSIC]
THE SCHOLAR
Israel's homeschool education is designed to make his academic work useful beyond the gradebook.
Research becomes presentations.
Writing becomes publication.
Music study becomes performance and teaching.
Community experiences become reflection.
Projects become portfolio pieces.
Throughout high school, selected work will be archived here as part of Israel's growing academic and creative portfolio.
[EXPLORE PORTFOLIO]
THE YOUTH LEADER
Israel's developing understanding of leadership has been shaped through youth programs, service, organizing, and opportunities to work alongside other young people.
He is an alumnus of the Freedom Youth Organizing School and a freshman member of Global Leadership Academy Senior Beta Club.
His service and leadership work will continue evolving throughout high school as he explores an important question:
What does it mean to use what you know, what you have, and who you are in service to your people?
[SERVICE + LEADERSHIP]
the creative entrepreneur
Israel is also beginning to think beyond performance toward creating intellectual and artistic work of his own.
Future projects include educational resources for beginning musicians, original musical exercises and compositions, teaching materials, and a growing collection of personal narratives and reflections documenting his adolescence and high school years.
Some projects may become publications.
Some may become performances.
Some may simply become evidence of growth.
This website is where that body of work will live.
PROFESSIONAL MATERIALS
Need information about Israel for a program, performance, publication, event, scholarship, or professional opportunity?
[DOWNLOAD PROFESSIONAL BIO]
[DOWNLOAD MUSICIAN / STUDENT RÉSUMÉ]
[MEDIA KIT — COMING SOON]