For AYS Alumna Catherine Baker, being a professional musician is equally as important to her as offering quality music education as a flute instructor. Since leaving AYS, Catherine has dedicated most of her time teaching flute to young people and has even found creative ways to continue instruction during the pandemic. Hearing her speak about her journey to becoming a professional flutist and dedicated teacher gave me a new appreciation for the long term training of musicians and the benefits of learning music. Our conversation also reminded me how important it is that all people have access to the amazing qualities that music teaches us.
Catherine grew up in Houston, Texas and lived there until she went to Austin to pursue her master’s degree. She started to play the flute at the age of eight during 2nd grade and was immediately enthralled by it. “I don’t know why I wanted to play the flute. My parents are not musicians. I just remember being in the living room and saying ‘I want to play the flute now!’”
Music education is lively in Texas statewide, so Catherine was able to participate in music classes at school and joined her first band class in fifth grade. “I was in marching band, which was my favorite thing to do. It provided an awesome group of friends and a sense of community that was unmatched.” Catherine’s love for marching band continued throughout high school and college… Click here to continue reading.