Dr. Kate Umble Smucker is a professional trumpet player and music educator based in Lancaster, PA. She is the director of athletic bands at Eastern University and an active freelance trumpet player.

Kate is a dreamer who loves to bring big ideas to life. Currently, her big idea is building an athletic bands program at Eastern University. When based in New York City from 2016-2023 Kate was on faculty at The Grace Church School where she built a robust Middle School band program and taught elementary general music. She was also a member of Calliope Brass and as the education and curriculum coordinator, Kate contributed to the educational show, “What’s Your Story?” She is the founder and band leader of the 16 piece King Street Big Band based in Lancaster, PA.

Kate holds a Doctorate in Trumpet Performance from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, a Masters of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of North Texas, and Bachelors of Music Education (K-12 instrumental) and Trumpet Performance from the University of Northern Colorado. Her primary teachers were Dr. Keith Benjamin, Professor Keith Johnson and Dr. Robert Murray.