Jessen T. Smith is currently the Director of Bands at Downers Grove North High School in Downers Grove, IL, working with one of two jazz bands, three concert bands, pep band, and the marching band. He has a long history of experience in the marching arts, with early experience marching with the Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from 2005 to 2009, and additional years with the Colts Drum and Bugle in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015. He served on the visual staff of Spirit of Atlanta during the 2021 season. In addition to being a full-time band director, Jessen also writes marching band drill and music for competitive and non-competitive groups in Illinois and Iowa, including his own.