Laura Wiley, an ABAC student in the music program, is a remarkable student who leaves a mark on and brings the Tifton community together through film and her lively voice.
Wiley has had the opportunity to represent ABAC’s music program in variety of ways. She sang with the jazz band at the Board of Regents dinner and got to represent the music program for “The College Tour,” a TV series touring colleges through the lens of the students.
“Our program is small, but there isn’t a person there who won’t welcome you with open arms and push you to the best you can be,” Wiley said. “I have learned so much and have many of my best memories doing things with the various choirs and ensembles they offer.”
The aspiring musician’s love for music did not spark out of nowhere. She grew up surrounded by music and people that share her appreciation for art.
“He [Wiley’s dad] plays guitar, so I would sing those songs with him all the time. That’s when I realized I love to sing,” Wiley said.
She taught herself to play guitar in her family’s goat barn. The ability to teach herself guitar led her to the realization that she could create music just like all the people she listened to growing up.
Wiley started taking voice lessons three years ago, and this enabled her to learn several types of singing, such as Italian opera. The music program at ABAC has also allowed the artist to learn more about the specific details that go into each performance.
When she is not playing music for ABAC, Wiley can be found playing music for the Tifton community. The local singer has been playing music at local events for about two years now. She has worked with multiple pillars of the Tifton community, such as Taco Loco, the Downtown Tifton team, and the Wiregrass Farmers Market team.
“Truly, singing and playing guitar for people is my very favorite thing to do,” Wiley said. “Tifton has shown me so much love and support, I couldn’t thank them enough if I tried.”
The local musician is not only a master of music, but also well-equipped with a camera. Wiley has been a student worker for Studio 3, ABAC’s media production team on the third floor of the Carlton Center, for the past few semesters. She has made highlight reels for several campus events to reach a broader audience.
“Filming highlights is my favorite thing to do because it captures all the little moments that are missed with a picture,” Wiley said.
A well-known contribution Wiley and her sister, Clara Wiley, have made during their time with Studio 3 is the creation of Golden Light Open Mic, a community-wide open mic night. The duo felt inspired to create an environment where anyone could feel comfortable coming up on stage to showcase their art and talent.
“Getting to see others share what they love to do is so inspiring every single time, and there is so much talent all around you that you don’t even realize,” Wiley said.
She can also be seen at multiple campus events, such as graduation, utilizing her photography skills for ABAC.
“There are many moments we miss in the hustle and bustle, and when I have my camera, I get to focus on finding and capturing those,” Wiley said.
The local musician plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to major in Commercial Songwriting and Music Business.
Wiley said, “Every gig, song I write, or video I film, I see as a small step towards the big end dream, which keeps me motivated and makes me so excited for the future!”
If you are interested in attending or performing at a Golden Light Open Mic, go to @goldenlightmic on Instagram for more information.
To keep up with Wiley’s music journey, refer to @laurawileymusic on Instagram.
