Where Are They Now: Tad Smith
Interlochen led Tad Smith to his career in geology and a lifetime of supporting the arts.
Tad Smith rehearses with the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra in 1977.
After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, Tad Smith (IAA 76-78) attended Cincinnati Conservatory of Music with the dream of becoming a professional violinist. A class in geology took him in a surprising new direction, and he eventually earned a Ph.D. in geology from Texas A&M. As a geoscientist, Tad has held leadership roles with numerous international energy companies and has been actively involved in industry professional societies, serving on the boards of the Geophysical Society of Houston and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. He now consults for Petrophysical Solutions, Inc. The arts continue to play an important role in his life. He is an enthusiastic supporter of Interlochen, a past trustee of the Houston Symphony, and a proud parent of an Interlochen Arts Camp alumnus.
Even though I was not meant to have a career as a performing musician, my time at Interlochen enriched my life in profound ways. From the friends I keep to the successful career I continue to enjoy, Interlochen is the unifying factor. It is one of the key starting points to who I have become.