Band 6-8

Mrs. Alaina Smith is currently the band director at Harold E. Winkler Middle School. She comes to Winkler from Western Carolina University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education in Instrumental Music as well as her Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2016. She takes much pride in her time at WCU, where she participated in numerous group activities. Once a catamount, always a catamount!

While at Western Carolina, Mrs. Smith held memberships in organizations such as the Western Carolina Flute Society and the National Association for Music Education. She was also heavily involved in Sigma Alpha Iota, a National Music Fraternity for Women. While in membership, she excelled in fundraising, recruitment, and treasury, which have all helped her greatly in the field of education. 

Mrs. Smith participated in WCU's "Pride of the Mountains" Marching band, which is known as one of the premiere college bands in the country. She served as Woodwind Coordinator for two years, where she oversaw 150+ woodwinds and helped to facilitate the teaching of a 400+ piece marching band. 

Mrs. Smith completed her student teaching at Swain County Middle and High Schools in Western Carolina. Here, she found her love for middle school teaching. Since then, she has jumped on the Jay M. Robinson Marching Band team as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands. Marching band is a big passion for Mrs. Smith, and she is excited to get to continue to participate in the activity through Jay M. Robinson. Her primary instrument is flute, and she intends to continue playing as performance opportunities arise. 

Mrs. Smith resides in Denver, North Carolina with her husband, Chris, who is also a band director in the area. They live with their cat, Terra, and hope to move closer to Concord sometime soon. She is excited about her new position at Winkler Middle and cannot wait to see where this year takes her and the band, as well as in the many years to come.