Fast - Slow

Children of Light

Ephesians 5:8, 19
"Walk as Children of Light . . .sing and make music in your heart to the Lord."


After serving as co-director of Masterworks of Monroe in its final season, Jon Marie dreamed of building a homeschool choir program to train and raise up a new generation of singers. She began in 2007 with a small group of 15 high school students. In 2008, that choir blossomed into 30 students, and with the help of Debbie Wallace and Susan Newcomer, who also shared the same dream, they were able to add two more choirs; one for grades 2-3 and another for grades 4-6 for a total of 65 singers. We are all very excited about the future possibilities for these choirs to grow and excel in their knowledge and skill.

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Jon Marie Byram and her husband J., live in West Monroe where they homeschool their three daughters, ages 18, 14, and 7. Jon Marie attended New Orleans Center for Creative Arts in high school and graduated from Louisiana College with a degree in Vocal Performance in 1987. She has led various adult and children's choirs in churches throughout Northeast Louisiana for the past 20 years. She and her family currently attend New Life Community Church in Monroe.

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Jan Smith is a veteran homeschool mother of 20 years, having her youngest, part of the graduating class of 2009. She has directed children’s choirs in churches in Winnsboro over the last 18 years, but this is her first experience with such a talented group. Her main musical experience has been as an accompanist for churches since she was 15 years old. For two years she directed an ensemble of top musicians of the Franklin parish that entertained throughout the community. Jan served three years as accompanist of the Master Works Youth choir before accompanying CHA choirs. Playing for the LA Jazzers is a new musical challenge for Jan.

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Sherri Antley has been married to her husband Sid for 28 years. They have four children and live in Bastrop. Sherri has served as pianist for her church, led childrens choir and sang in a quartet. She has a degree in Occupational Therapy and currently works in Bastrop with families of children with special needs. Her family are members at First Baptist of West Monore. They are actively in involved in mission projects internationally and in the community. She loves working with young children and is looking forward to another wonderful year as choir director.

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