Twila "Big T" Smith
Vocalist

Twila "Big T" Smith was born and raised in southern California. She grew up performing in various groups, choirs, and choruses including a touring English handbell choir out of Los Angeles, The University Bell Ringers. She studied music theory under the late Genevieve Lewis and Mistress Johanna Hodges both of Long Beach, CA. Her parents facilitated a love of music and an understanding of cadence.

Twila learned to appreciate music while performing with the Lynwood Academy Lynaires (Lynwood, CA) under the direction of the late Richard Jackson and with the Oakwood College Aeolians (Huntsville, AL) under the direction of Dr. Ricky Little. That is where she earned her first degree. She then attended Howard University to study Occupational Therapy. She moved to California to practice OT. She volunteered teaching music theory, directed the children's choir at her church, co-directed the University Bell Ringers, performed as a soloist and with her father's band, Jimmie Smith & Co.

Since then, she has returned and made DC her home. Upon her return, she has performed as a choral member for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of DC. She has kept herself busy singing background vocals, composing vocal arrangements, consulting in studio sessions, and vocal coaching.