The College of Fine Arts proudly congratulates all students who are graduating this semester! While we’re unable to gather in person for a commencement ceremony in December due to the pandemic, we celebrate the accomplishments of students, like Audrey Holden, a Music Education major who co-created a virtual early childhood music class earlier this year and launched a percussion duo during the pandemic.
Audrey Holden, School of Music
Degree: Bachelor of Music Education with instrumental concentration
Audrey Holden
Hometown: Austin, TX
Why did you choose TCU for your education?
When I was a senior in high school, both the TCU Percussion Studio and my high school’s percussion section were selected in a call for tapes, winning a featured performance at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). On their way down to San Antonio, the TCU Percussion Studio came to our high school, and we performed our PASIC programs and socialized over some pizza. After that, I decided to apply to TCU.
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in the field of music?
My path in life has always been centered around music. I find something so special in connecting to the world around me through musical expression. As I continue to study music, I am reassured by a stronger sense of identity and purpose as a creative.
Tell us about your time at TCU.
I was a member and secretary of the TCU Percussion Club (TCUP), member of the TCU Environmental Club, and performed in the TCU Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Orchestra and Steel Band. I also performed in a PASIC 2019 showcase with the TCU Percussion Orchestra as well as performed outside of the country with close ties to the steel band community. While quarantined, I co-created a virtual early childhood music class, Inside Out Sprouts, as well as a percussion duo [called] KitchenSync Percussion with a focus on performing new music.
What is you proudest accomplishment while at TCU?
Advancing to the final round of auditions in the fall 2019 concerto competition was my favorite achievement. I had never played a concerto before, or with an accompanist, for that matter. I also played a concerto on steel pans, which had never been done before. I decided to compete pretty late in the game and started preparing the piece about two months before the competition. It was an incredible challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone and to new levels of dedicated practice.
What will you miss most about TCU?
I will miss my wonderful professors the most. I had so many engaging, brilliant classes in and out of the School of Music that I really value. I will also miss the 2019 Percussion Studio, who really became a supportive family.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I plan to move back to Austin and look for a position as an elementary music teacher, and once the world is in a more stable place, I will look into studying steel pan under Liam Teague at NIU. Most of all, I am excited to start releasing my own music as a singer/songwriter, and I can hardly wait to see where it will take me.