My name is Kelley Gaither and I was born and raised in Decatur Georgia. During grade school I attended Wadsworth Elementary in Dekalb County where I began my music career.  I began playing the alto saxophone in the 5^th grade. After constant practicing and development of my music skills, I was afforded the opportunity to march in one of the greatest bands in the land Columbia High School Eagle Band. When I entered high school I was placed in the advance band my eighth grade year. While at Columbia High, I performed in the marching, symphonic and jazz on both saxophone and trumpet. I received the John Phillip Sousa Award for outstanding musicianship. Afterwards, I attended Georgia Southern University and obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2002.

I started my teaching career in Atlanta Public School where I taught 4 years. Then I moved on to Clayton Public Schools and taught there for 8 years. My bands earn “Superior ratings” at Large Group Performance Evaluation over the years. While teaching in Clayton County, I obtained my Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education from Lesley University.  Now I am in my fourth year at Austin Road Middle and I expect to achieve the same ratings and put our band back on the map as one of the best bands from Henry County.