Katie Coe, a senior majoring in music education, is from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. She loves music and kids, and hopes to combine these interests with a career in elementary music education. 

Why did you choose JSU?

I chose JSU because I love the family atmosphere. Anytime I visited, I was surrounded by friendly people. I truly believe JSU lives up to its nickname of “Friendliest Campus in the South.”

What are some of your hobbies and interests? 

My hobbies and interests include any kind of games (video or board), movies, painting, and most of all playing with my dog, Maggie.

Where is your favorite place to study at JSU? A favorite study snack/drink? 

I usually study in my room at Pannell, and popcorn is my favorite study snack. Or carrots.

Are you involved in any clubs or organizations? 

I am currently the social/fundraising chair for JSU’s chapter of cNAfME, but I have previously been President and Vice President. I am a sister of Sigma Alpha Iota.

Why did you choose your major? 

I have been very involved in music my whole life. One of my biggest musical influences is my dad. He is in a bluegrass group called “The Dill Pickers,” so I grew up around them rehearsing and performing. He also exposed me to lots of different kinds of music. We would listen to “March to the Scaffold” from Symphonie Fantastique on the way to school. I was in elementary school when he took me to see my first opera, Madame Butterfly. He instilled a love of music in me that I want to pass on to others. My mom is a teacher, and I always grew up admiring her dedication to serving others. She actually went back to school to get a degree in elementary education when I was in elementary school, so I got to see first-hand what went into getting an education degree. She helped me discover that I love working with children. With my love for both music and working with children, music education was a perfect match.

How are you involved with the Marching Southerners?

I have been a member since 2016, and I was the head section leader of the flute line in 2018 and 2019.

What has been your favorite class?

It is hard to choose my favorite class because I have truly enjoyed every single class I’ve taken. I think Elementary Methods with Dr. Baptiste is near the top of my list, simply because it was the first time I was able to go into a classroom setting and teach music. I know I want to teach music on the elementary level, so it was really fun getting that experience. I got new ideas and instruction on how to be a better teacher. Dr. Baptiste was great at giving constructive criticism while still allowing me to maintain my personality in my teaching.

Who is your favorite professor, and why? 

All of the professors I have had during my time at JSU have been vastly different, which makes it hard to choose my favorite. Some of my most memorable professors include Dr. Gordon (theory), Dr. Woodward (aural skills), Dr. Baptiste (elementary methods and student teaching), and Dr. Bodiford (conducting and Marching Southerners). All four of them have been endlessly supportive and encouraging to me during my college career, and I cannot thank them enough.

Do you have any post-graduation plans? 

I am hoping to start teaching elementary music in a classroom of my own; however, I do not have anything lined up yet.