Millennium Magazine_7th Ed

29 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine BARBARA J. BELEW MUSIC EDUCATOR McNeese State University Lake Charles, LA B arbara J. Belew is a prominent music educator and harpist who has dedicated 65 years to McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Commencing her tenure in 1955, she has served as an associate professor of music and has maintained affiliation with the McNeese State University Harp Camp as a teacher since 2000. Alongside her academic endeavors, she has been a harpist for the Lake Charles Symphony since 1958, and previously served the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra as a harpist between 1964 and 1999. Drawing upon a Bachelor of Music fromHardin-Simmons University, from where she graduated summa cum laude in 1951, Ms. Belew also holds a Master of Music from Indiana University Bloomington from 1953. A certified teacher of music by the Music Teachers National Association since 1980, she has also remained civically involved in her community. She has served as a Sunday school secretary for the Trinity Baptist Church since 1975 and also served the Louisiana chapter of the American Harp Society in myriad executive roles, including on their national board of directors and as founder, vice president, advisor and ensemble coach. Furthermore, she is a parliamentarian of her local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, with whom she has been a member for more than 50 years. Ms. Belewwas influenced to enter the music industry by her parents, who were both talented musicians. Falling into music education by chance after taking a pedagogy class in college and finding the opportunity to instruct a fellow classmate, she opines that the progression into music education has been a natural journey. Mentored by her harp teacher, Margaret White, she attributes her profound success to her faith in Christ and her passion for her work. As a testament to her success, Ms. Belew has been highlighted several Marquis registries since 2009, including in the 64 th through 72 nd editions of Who’s Who in America, the 28 th through 33 rd editions of Who’s Who in the World and the 28 th edition of Who’s Who of American Women. In her spare time, she enjoys needlework, doing crossword puzzles and reading. ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT