BURKE MENTORS MUSIC MAJOR AND NON-MAJOR ALIKE

  

In her first year as director of bands and ninth year teaching at Blinn College, Sarah Burke enjoys the variety of the students she teaches and their passion for music, whether it is a hobby or a desired career choice.

Burke directs Blinn’s 115-student marching band, oversees the percussion program and serves as conductor of the wind symphony during concert season.

Blinn’s marching band arrived on campus early this fall – as it does every fall – to prepare for its upcoming football game halftime performances. The band is open to students of all majors, and only about 40 percent of band participants major in music.

“The fun part of being band director is that you get kids from all different majors coming together because they love making music,” Burke said. “It is really nice to work with students here because they are really motivated.”

Blinn heavily recruits the best band members in the area, and each student must audition for the band in the spring.

“Students in high school might learn six total songs, but at Blinn they will learn more than that in just the first semester,” she said.

Music has been part of Burke’s life since starting piano lessons at age 4. In the seventh grade, she switched to percussion and never looked back. Burke is also the principle percussionist for the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra.

Now entering her ninth year at Blinn, Burke has enjoyed being part of the community and appreciates working with Blinn students, who are often grateful for the musical opportunities that they have at the College.

“The students work hard and that makes me want to double my efforts as an instructor,” Burke said. “I just hope they will continue their general love of music and to continue it as a career or a hobby.”