She began playing oboe and piano in second grade, moving on to the All-State orchestra and band when she was in high school. As a student at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, Kirby majored in music education with an emphasis on oboe. After graduating with her bachelor s degree, Kirby taught middle school band in Douglasville for two years and then moved to LaGrange, where she began teaching general music, boys chorus, mixed chorus, and band at Long Cane Elementary in 1996. In addition to teaching, Kirby plays oboe for the LaGrange Symphony and for various churches and weddings, and gives private oboe lessons through the First Baptist Church School of Music. I believe that the most rewarding part of my job is to see children doing well at school, explained Kirby, who said her belief in what she is doing, along with taking time out for hobbies such as creating wreaths and floral arrangements for different seasons and relaxing with her little girl, keep her focused and on track.
Music has much to offer.
If you can t sing, you can probably play an instrument. One of Kirby's passions is to encourage parents to interact with their children and to provide a consistent link between home and school. As an educator of so many children, said Kirby, I am able to see the effects parents have on their children's learning and discipline at school. When parents take an active role in their child's learning, the results are amazing. Kirby feels music education offers a unique opportunity to motivate and inspire children.