Shelbe Blacklock

By: Taylor Hannum

Shelbe Blacklock, Villeplate, La., freshman, has been playing musical instruments for five years. She first learned how to play during the summer of her freshman year of high school. She was in her school band for four years. “I’ve been playing the flute for five years, piccolo for five years, piano for five years,” said Blacklock. She has played many types of music such as classical, jazz and improvisation. She has also tried many other instruments including the trombone, guitar and trumpet. She is always open to trying new instruments.

Blacklock has also been in three jazz bands, Jazz 1, Jazz 2 and Jazz 3. She has also auditioned for many bands. She advanced to area band when she auditioned for it. Blacklock has shared her musical talents with other people as well. “I’ve taught a friend how to play before,” she said. “She played clarinet and she was transitioning to flute, so I taught her how to play.” Blacklock looks up to Herman Mann, a flute player, as a professional role model. She also enjoys watching YouTube videos online of flute players.
Blacklock was not the only musically inclined member in her family. Her brother also played the trombone and a couple other family members played the flute. They don’t compare to her musicals feats though. She’s “just different”, as she puts it. Blacklock plans to continue her musical career next semester as she tries out for SFA’s band.