Times Record: 'Individual Artist Award' to John Jeter, Who Led Fort Smith Symphony in Premiere Series of William Grant Still Symphonies

[John Jeter, Fort Smith Symphony music director, has been named the winner of the Individual Artist Award, which is part of the statewide Governor’s Arts Awards. The awards recognize individuals and corporations for their ongoing contributions to arts in Arkansas.]

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Times Record
Online Edition

July 17, 2012

Jeter Wins Individual Artist Award
By Scott Smith

A Fort Smith musician, conductor and music fan has the governor’s seal of approval. Fort Smith Symphony music director John Jeter won the Individual Artist Award, an award that’s part of the 2012 Governor’s Arts Awards.

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Jeter is the perfect choice for this year’s Individual Artist Award, said Joy Pennington, executive director for the Arkansas Arts Council. “John Jeter’s initiative in building an appreciation for quality orchestral music among a generation of young people is just one reason why he was selected for the Individual Artist Award,” she said.

“Under his direction, he has brought national and international attention to Fort Smith — and the state of Arkansas — most recently for the three compact discs the Fort Smith Symphony recorded of the symphonies of William Grant Still, who is known as Arkansas’ greatest African-American composer. Jeter is being honored not only for his artistic creativity, but also his ability to inspire others to support the arts while building a nationally recognized professional orchestra.”

Jeter, who is about to begin his 17th season with the Fort Smith Symphony, admitted he was honored and humbled by his award.  “I think it’s the first time a conductor has won the Individual Artist Award, so it’s a big honor, and it’s a big thing for Fort Smith,” said Jeter, who with his wife, Karen, has one daughter, Nicole. “Before, the award has gone to musicians, poets and writers, so I’m honored.”