Rachel Baker

Year at VCSU 
Sophomore 

Major 
Music Education. 

What instrument do you play? 
My primary instrument is the French horn. 

What led you to come to VCSU? 
The professors! Each and every one of them is excited about the material they teach and about helping you reach your goals as a student. 

Why did you choose your major? 
I always knew I was going to be a teacher, and when I fell in love with band in high school, I knew I should teach music. 

What do you enjoy most about your major and/or the music department?
I love the people that I get to work with. I get to learn from my classmates as well as my professors because our classes allow for so much collaboration. 

What activities or groups are you involved in on campus?
I play horn in the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. I play bass drum in our drumline. I have sung in the VCSU Concert Choir. I’m a part of the National Association for Music Education and Vikings for Christ. 

What do you enjoy most about VCSU? 
I love the small atmosphere of our campus. There are so many opportunities to make connections with people outside of your major. As an education major, I get a ton of experience in the classroom, which is invaluable. I get to see what being a music teacher is really like before graduating. I can connect the information I learn in class to practical application in the classroom.  

As a student who will get to use the new Center for the Arts, what are your thoughts about the facility? What are you most looking forward to? 
I am eagerly awaiting the day when the Center for the Arts is finished! I’m looking forward to all the arts on campus being in one building. We don’t get to collaborate often, but being closer together will give us more opportunities. 

Any advice for students thinking about attending VCSU? 
Come and visit campus! You’ll get to see what it’s like to be a student here. If you interested in music, take part in our “Music Major for a Day” program.