FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Smith enjoys sharing her passion for arts
BY KELLY GRIFFITH Contributing Writer

Angie Smith

Whitehouse resident Angie Smith grew up in Tyler and has spent the past 25 years gathering performing experience.

Smith has performed at many local venues such as Caldwell Auditorium, Cowan Center and the Oil Palace. Now Smith is teaching her passion to other area students.

"I really enjoy developing young talent," Smith said. "That really is where my focus is now."

Smith has a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas in Tyler where she majored in performing arts. Smith has now been teaching in the Tyler Junior College music department for the past seven years and recently was nominated by the department head for the Mattie Alice Scroggin Baker Excellence in Theater Award. Finalist and recipients for the awards will be announced at TJC's Fall Convocation in August.

For the past 10 years Smith has been developing young talent in her own private voice studio.

"I had a student, Courtney Lux, go to Vegas and come home with a first place trophy," Smith said. Lux took first place after performing in the USA World Showcase and has just recently returned from a theater workshop in New York City.

Pictured are Chad, Preston, Angie and Grant Smith.

Carli Boyd has been a private student of Smith's for four years and enjoys working more on the technical side of theater.

"She's a great behind the scenes worker as well as a good performer," Smith said. Smith has also taught three students from the Laperriere family who are now excelling in their art.

The youngest son, Leif, has participated in a couple of TJC musicals including "Peter Pan." Maurice made the UIL All State Men's Choir and was also the lead in the "High School Musical" put on by Whitehouse Junior High, a musical that Smith had the pleasure to guest direct.

Lindsey Laperriere was a student of Smith's who has gone on to TJC, held lead roles in many productions and became a part of Harmony and Understanding.

Harmony and Understanding is an elite group of singers chosen through auditions. The program has had just three directors since it's start in 1971. Smith will be taking over as choir director in the Fall.

"I have big shoes to fill after Dr. Cheryl Rodgers is leaving," Smith said. The choir has traveled to per form in Japan, France, London and Hawaii, and most recently the group has performed in Germany and Austria.

"I desire to continue the legacy of excellence in performing that this group is known for," Smith said. "It is truly my dream job."

Smith has recently finished a musical theater camp of 15 students she invited to create a whole production in five days. She is also involved with YesterYear; for the third year she is helping the committee cast local talent for the Review.

With such a busy schedule this summer Smith says her main focus is preparing to take over Harmony and Understanding. But before all her responsibilities begin, Smith plans to relax in West Palm Beach, Fla., with husband Preston and their two sons, Grant and Chad.

"We love to travel," Smith said.