Outstanding Graduating Senior Caroline Vickstrom conducts at First United Methodist Church in Boulder as part of the CU Summer Lab Choir concert in August 2017.
鈥淎s long as I can remember,听I've never said 'no,'"听Vickstrom shared with us recently. 鈥淚 was always involved in everything! And it鈥檚 been no different for me here. At the College of Music, there鈥檚 so much opportunity to try different things鈥攚hy put yourself in one box?鈥�
True to her word, the Colorado native鈥攆rom Evergreen鈥攅nthusiastically participated in the College of Music鈥檚 choir program throughout her four years, and almost literally sings praises of Director of Choral Studies Gregory Gentry. 鈥淗e鈥檚 amazing,鈥� Vickstrom says of working with Gentry as a participant in the University Singers, University Choir, Madrigal Choir and Vocal Jazz Choir. 鈥淚 learned so much under his direction, and from the huge variety of instructors here.
鈥淭he same goes for the opera program. They put on fantastic productions that are really accessible to undergrads. I鈥檝e talked to students at other music schools around the country, where undergrads are always relegated to small roles. But at CU, undergrads and grad students intermingle. You get to have great role models right in front of you, and you have the opportunity to actually work with them.鈥�
According to Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Undergraduate Studies James Austin, Vickstrom is on track to graduate with highest honors. This super achiever even opted to complete two semesters of calculus, although math isn鈥檛 required for her degree.
鈥淐aroline was elected by the faculty as our Outstanding Graduating Senior on the basis of her academic achievement, her musical accomplishments and her overall engagement in optional leadership and service activities associated with the College of Music,鈥� Austin says.
鈥淪he assisted with the Middle School Choral Ensemble outreach program, and received a scholarship in recognition of her service in assisting with the Holiday Festival event in December 2015,鈥� he adds. Caroline also studied abroad in Strasbourg, France, in Spring 2015, and received an Undergraduate Development Award to attend a vocal performance institute in Summer 2016.
鈥淲hat鈥檚 unique about the College of Music is that you get the feel of a big university, but you鈥檙e part of a tight-knit community,鈥� says Vickstrom. 鈥淎verage class sizes are small, which often means getting one-on-one instruction. That鈥檚 been really great.鈥�
So what鈥檚 next for Vickstrom?
鈥淚 have plans to travel to Australia with my sister this spring,鈥� she says. 鈥淎fter that, I feel like I might try a little of everything! Doing more music education would be great鈥擨鈥檝e loved it so far. But I鈥檇 also like to try doing more with voice鈥攑erforming with a choir, or as a soloist, or teaching privately. But it鈥檒l definitely be in the world of music.
鈥淭he College of Music has prepared me for anything in a positive competitive environment that makes you want to be your best. Everyone is always cheering you on!
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a great four years. I鈥檝e been really happy here.鈥� Congratulations, Caroline!
The College of Music commencement for Fall 2017 will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. in Grusin Music Hall.
