People of the Pack: Elizabeth Heikens

Elizabeth Heikens is a sophomore from Spencer, IA majoring in marketing and piano performance.

Devin Martin: What is your favorite memory?

Elizabeth Heikens: My favorite memory is definitely a lot of good childhood memories, but if I had to choose one of my favorites it would be going to my first piano recital. I really had a great time and it was a moment where it was a Christmas recital and it was really fun. I remember everyone was playing their Christmas music and it was a really good time. I think I was about 8.

DM: Did you have a certain song that you worked on?

EH: “Away in a Manger” was one that I remember for sure.

DM: How was the event? Being up on that stage during the recital?

EH: It was definitely a moment that I fell in love with what I did and now part of my major is piano. That’s what led to that fun experience.

DM: How is studying piano performance? Is it what you expected?

EH: I came to USD knowing that they had a great music program and also the business school. I just really love that they have great professors and people who are caring about their students and who are really going to help them try to achieve their professional goals and help them grow as people.

DM: Is there any professor in piano performance that helped you develop and grow here at USD?

EH: My great piano professor is Dr. Gray and other professors that I really have had great experiences with would be Dr. Viquez, the orchestra professor. This is my second year in orchestra now and I loved the first year and I’m coming back for a second year. I have also enjoyed jazz band and also jazz combo with Dr. Coker.

DM: What advice would you have for first-year students or anyone who wants to get involved with orchestra or piano performance?

EH: I would say that music is something you want to be passionate about if you’re going to do it, and if you’re really passionate about it then you can make it work for you. Bottom line is just stick with your passion and keep up the hard work if you’re doing music or any other major.