After high school, Mike’s trumpet sat in the case for about 10 years until he joined the orchestra at Fort Oglethorpe First Baptist Church. Several years later Mike became a charter member of the Mid-South Concert Band. He served as its president for 5 years. In 1994, Mike and several others from the community concert band decided it would be fun to play in a big band again- the Mid-South Jazz Band was born. This band evolved to become Sweet Georgia Sound. Mike worked tirelessly as the big band’s manager during those early years.

Mike Smith and his trumpet have performed with numerous pit orchestras around the Chattanooga and North Georgia area, including 10 seasons at the Signal Mountain Playhouse. Mike has also subbed with the Legionnaires Big Band. Several years ago, Mike marched in the Super Bowl Parade in Tampa, Florida with the "Second-Time Around" Marching Band of St. Petersburg. Mike was once a "ringer" in the Jacksonville State Alumni Band, although he never attended there. In addition to Sweet Georgia Sound, Mike continues to play with the Fort Oglethorpe First Baptist orchestra and Praise Bands.

Several years ago, the acting bug bit Mike and became a serious hobby. Mike has performed in musicals and plays, including those at the Chattanooga Theater Center, Backstage Dinner Theater, Family Theater Workshop, and Leap of Faith Productions Currently, Mike is enrolled as an acting student at Chattanooga State.

Mike at the Cricket Pavilion 2002