UW Oshkosh music business student Katie Warren was recently selected to participate in the Chamber Music workshop in Minnesota.
When asked how she got started as a musician, Warren said it began when she was young.
“I have been playing for a little over 13 years,” Warren said. “My mom and brother both played the French horn so it was just a natural ‘toy’ at a young age; by the time I was finishing up fourth grade, I decided I wanted to be like my big brother and play too.”
Warren said one of her teachers from middle school, Adam Maegaard, was an inspiration in her life and credits him for her choosing music as her major.
“He is one of the most influential people in my music career so far,” Warren said. “Without him and his encouragement, I would not have gone into music, much less even considered it a possible career path.”
Warren also said her time spent at the University has shaped her into the person she is today.
“UWO has transformed me into someone I would have never believed I would be a few years ago,” Warren said. “It has presented me with countless opportunities that usually forced me out of my comfort zone. Between the incredible faculty, students, and opportunities, I am so grateful for my time here.”
Warren said she would also like to thank her French horn professor, Bruce Atwell for helping her.
“From the moment I began my degree at Oshkosh, he has been there pushing me and never lets me give up,” Warren said. “He has proven that with hard work and determination, you can go very far.”
Professor Atwell said Warren’s desire to get ahead is what makes her unique as a musician.
“Her work ethic and positive attitude set her apart,” Atwell said. “She is always eager to learn and brings enthusiasm and positivity to everything she does.”
Junior Sophie Willer said Warren shows her music talent by getting involved in extracurricular activities, such as the Students for Music Club.
“Katie is hard-working and very motivated,” Willer said. “She demonstrates this in her role as a musician and as the president of Students for Music.”
Fellow student and friend, Mariah Heyden said Warren’s work with the club helps her network with other musicians.
“As president of the Students for Music organization here on campus, she creates contracts with musicians from all over the United States, and even internationally, to come play on our campus, and also advertises for said musicians,” Heyden said. “It’s inspiring to see a young woman with so much dedication and drive and I am excited to see where her musical career will take her.”
Warren said that she would hope to use her music business major in the future.
“I plan on going into either artist presenting or working for a booking agency,” Warren said.
Warren said the weekend she spent this past June in the Minnesota Chamber Music world when she got the chance to play with the Imani Winds, a musical ensemble was memorable.
“They all have come from backgrounds but they chose to do something and create experiences for themselves,” Warren said. “The people I met and the on-stage experience is something that I will never forget.”