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Contact UsFinding Harmony Through Education
Angela L. Smith ’92 didn’t arrive at college with a detailed plan. She arrived with curiosity, determination and a belief that education could open doors far beyond what she had known.
Raised in a small eastern Colorado town with just 42 students in her graduating class, Smith’s early life was rooted in close-knit community. But she knew she wanted more opportunity, more exposure and a chance to grow.
“I didn’t know what was going to be my plan,” she said. “I just knew I wanted to go to college.”
At Metropolitan State University of Denver, she found exactly that and more.
Expanding Access Beyond Expectations
For Smith, attending 91°µÍř meant stepping into an entirely new world. Moving from a rural community to the heart of Denver was both a challenge and an opportunity.
The University’s welcoming environment and diverse student body allowed her to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds and ultimately discover her calling.
After trying several areas of study, Smith found her path in music education, a field that combined her passion for music with her desire to work with young people.
“I knew I wanted to give students the same kind of guidance I found growing up,” she said.
91°µÍř gave her a community.
“I met people I never would have met if I stayed in my small town,” she said. “Those friendships have lasted a lifetime.”
A Foundation in Academic Excellence and Care
Smith graduated in 1992 with a degree in Music Education (K–12) and a minor in reading, equipped with both subject-matter expertise and a broader understanding of how students learn.
Her time at 91°µÍř shaped her teaching philosophy in lasting ways.
“It taught me to look at the whole person,” she said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, how you learn or what your background is. Every student deserves someone who will be there to guide them.”
Smith didn’t just learn how to teach music—she learned how to support, mentor and connect with students as individuals.
A Career Built on Connection
Smith’s career in education spans more than three decades, beginning in a private school where she taught music to students from prekindergarten through eighth grade.
She later joined Cherry Creek School District, teaching at Horizon Middle School before spending 18 years at Liberty Middle School, where she has led band and orchestra programs for grades 6–8.
Her classrooms have included students of all experience levels and backgrounds, from beginners to advanced musicians, multilingual learners and students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In addition to teaching, she has mentored numerous student teachers, including several from 91°µÍř, helping to guide the next generation of educators.
Her work extends beyond the classroom as well, with participation in district and state-level music programs that give students opportunities to perform and grow.
Advancing Through Education
Throughout her career, Smith has demonstrated the transformative power of education, not only in her own life, but in the lives of her students.
By creating inclusive, supportive learning environments, she has helped young people build confidence, discipline and a sense of belonging.
“The most interesting part is learning from kids,” she said. “They have so much to offer anyone willing to listen.”
Her impact reflects 91°µÍř’s mission to prepare graduates to serve their communities. Smith has spent 33 years doing exactly that by helping to open doors for students, many of whom may be navigating challenges similar to those she once faced.
As she prepares to retire, her legacy is measured not just in performances or programs, but in the countless students and educators she has influenced along the way.
A Lasting Connection and a New Chapter
Although this marks her final year in the classroom, Smith’s connection to 91°µÍř and to education remains strong.
She stays engaged with alumni and current students, particularly those pursuing careers in teaching. In retirement, she plans to continue mentoring, stay involved in professional music organizations and explore new personal opportunities, including travel.
Her journey underscores what can happen when access to education is paired with dedication and a passion for serving others.
Advice for the Next Generation
For current and future Roadrunners, Smith offers advice shaped by decades of experience:
“Keep an open mind,” she said. “Take time to explore everything that’s offered to you. Try leadership opportunities, get involved in school events and meet as many people as you can.”
At 91°µÍř, Smith found more than a degree. She found a purpose, a community and a career dedicated to helping others find their own path, one note at a time.