BEHIND THE MUSIC
Brad Jefferson: Lyricist, “My Heart is in Virginia”
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Brad has lived in Virginia since the 6th grade ('74). He graduated from Fairfax High School (Fairfax, VA) in 1980, and attended George Mason University in 1984. Brad, his wife Vivian and 2 children (Kevin and Natalie) live in Sterling, Virginia.
Brad and his family thoroughly enjoy music: Vivian plays piano; Kevin plays piano and clarinet; Natalie plays piano, flute, piccolo. The family also enjoys camping and hiking in the Shenandoah National Park, traveling through Virginia's beautiful countryside, visiting its historic sites (like Charlottesville and Williamsburg). Brad's hobbies include photography, volunteering, and herb gardening. He enjoys listening to all types of music, especially New Age and jazz musicians -- his favorites are David Arkenstone and The Rippingtons.
Kevin Jefferson: Co-composer, “My Heart is in Virginia”
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Kevin was born in Virginia in 1989. He started taking piano lessons in 2nd grade and then clarinet in 6th grade. Kevin was in Loudoun County’s (Virginia) District Band all four years of high school, making first chair his Junior year. Kevin graduated high school in 2007 as valedictorian of his class. He is currently in the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) Marching Band and the Wind Ensemble. His other interests include Latin, Greek, and math.
During July of 1998, Kevin helped his father (Brad) compose the melody for “My Heart is in Virginia,”a song written specifically for the Virginia State Song Competition. He spent almost 3 days at the piano creating and writing the original melody. In the following weeks, Kevin then collaborated with Dan Smith to add chords and further develop the song.
Garrick Alden: Composer, Lead Vocal, Drum Program, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Mixing and Recording engineer: “My Heart is in Virginia” (June 2000 Release)
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For the June 2000 release of the song, we collaborated with Garrick Alden of Laurel, Maryland to produce the recording. Garrick provided all instrumentation for both the Key of C and E versions, and was the lead vocal for the key of E version of “My Heart is in Virginia."
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Garrick, a professional musician, is a very talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and studio musician. During his career, he has performed as a regular guitarist on the Grand Ole Opry. At his recording studio in Laurel, Maryland, Garrick writes and records his own songs and produces projects for other country artists. Many of his songs have been published and recorded in Nashville. Garrick grew up and went to school in Annandale, Virginia.
Randy Cabell: Composer, small band, piano arrangement, fifes/drums, SATB
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Randy, traces his Virginia roots back to Thomas Jordan who came to in Jamestowne in 1624. Randy has issued two CDs of historic brass music of Virginia.
The first was based on the only Confederate Band Books to survive, and features sprightly tunes like "Dear Mother, I've Come Home to Die Quickstep." Seriously! The other was released in 2007 by the Wind Ensemble of Lehigh University, featuring Randy's composition "The Trumpeter of Jamestowne March" as the lead-off track, followed by band music as it was heard at the 1807, 1907 and 2007 Jamestown Celebrations. Also in 2007, Randy composed several musical arrangements of "My Heart is in Virginia".
Dan Smith: Co-composer
Sue Smith: Vocalist on 1998 competition recording
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Daniel E. Smith ("Dan") has lived in Fairfax, Virginia since age 5. He attended W.T. Woodson High School (‘81), the College of William & Mary (B.A. ‘85) and the University of Virginia Law School (J.D. ‘88).
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His musical interest began at an early age. He has fond memories of family sing-a-longs and performing duets with his older sister. He started piano lessons at age 7 and continued through high school, where he accompanied the traveling choir for one year and played keyboards in the Stage Band for three years. In high school he also developed a love for improvisation and began composing music. During college and law school he was a regular performer at on-campus coffee houses and open mike nights, both solo and with a variety of vocal and instrumental groups.
Dan met his wife, the former Susan Marshall (“Sue”), at a Special Interest House for musicians and other artists at the College of William & Mary. Sue grew up on Long Island, NY, where she played the violin, and performed in chorus and school drama productions. With Dan, she was a regular performer at on-campus events.
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Dan & Sue continue to enjoy playing and singing together. Their repertoire consists primarily of folk, light rock and popular music, and blues. Over the years they have performed at weddings and other events, primarily for family and close friends.