Mrs. Smelley's Music Classes

I have been a teacher at Blanchard Elementary since 1991.  I am currently teaching music to all students, PreK through fifth grade.  I am also the music mentor for the Little Kids Rock program sponsored by the James Burton Foundation. 

I believe that music enriches all students' lives by providing positive experiences, which strengthen logical problem solving skills, and improves physical coordination through movement, dance, and playing musical instruments. Students gain high self-esteem by developing self-control needed to share songs and tunes as a team.  This leads to respect for others as well as themselves.  That makes them true S.T.A.R. students.

When I'm not in the classroom, I like to make music on the fiddle, guitar, piano and upright bass.  I attend local music jam circles in Blanchard, Shreveport,  Mooringsport, Oil City, Haughton, Benton, Homer and Arcadia.  Bluegrass, Gospel, Scottish and old fiddle tunes are my favorite  styles of music.  Camping at Bluegrass festivals is one of my favorite ways to relax.  Spending time with my family and grandchildren is the most enjoyable pastime of all.

I am an active member of the Mooringsport United Methodist Church, North Louisiana Bluegrass Club, Scottish Society of North Louisiana Hielands, and the music group call the Greysfulls.  I also the choir director at the Mooringsport UMC, and bass player for the Greysfulls.

When I first came to Blanchard as a new teacher, I was told that this school was one of the best kept secrets in the Parish, and each year this has continued to be true.  However, through internet links like those listed below, we are beginning to share the news.

www.schoolnotes.com/71107/smelley22.html   - this site will provide parents and students with  current programs and projects involving our music students.

www.jamesburtonmusic.com  - this site will provide photos of my 2006-07 guitar students participating in the spring guitar festival at the Municipal Auditorium on Sunday, April 1, 2007.

I enjoy teaching at my community school.  I am very thankful that my children,  grandchildren and husband have all been students at Blanchard Elementary. It's nice to be a part of the Blanchard school link in our family.