While at Wright State , Marilyn studied voice, piano, and harpsichord; later spending 12 summers at Oberlin College as a harpsichordist at the Baroque Performance Institute. Since graduation, Ms. Smith's life has centered around performing on the harpsichord and volunteering for various arts organizations in Dayton ; including holding board positions with the Dayton opera Guild, the Dayton Bach Society, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO), and the Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association. Marilyn was instrumental in raising a great deal of funds for the (DPO) orchestra and for scholarships to young musicians in the area.