A Waynesville native, Lavonne Casey grew up in a music-loving family where dancing and piano playing were everyday joys. She started piano lessons at age nine and later picked up saxophone, percussion, and bassoon during her school years at Waynesville Junior High and Tuscola High, where she played in marching, stage, and symphonic bands.

Though she pursued degrees in business from UNC Chapel Hill and the University of Tennessee, Lavonne stayed closely connected to music. After moving to Atlanta in 1987, she co-founded the Atlanta Freedom Bands, an LGBTQ+ and allies organization now entering its 30th season.

Returning to Waynesville in 2013, Lavonne began playing with local ensembles, joining the Haywood Community Band in 2016. “Music has always been my salvation,” she said, “especially after my father passed in 2011, and I became my mother’s caregiver until her passing in 2020. Never a bad day when I know I’m going to rehearsal or a performance. If only everyone could be so blessed.”