Student Spotlight: Balie Albrecht
Balie Albrecht, a senior in Northern State University’s School of Fine Arts, is a music education major dedicated to inspiring positivity in her prospective students’ lives.
Originally from Rapid City, S.D., Albrecht was initially a theater and instrumental music education major before switching entirely to a double music major.
“I found that I really enjoyed the music department and found that I enjoy teaching,” said Albrecht. “I’ve choreographed many performances since I was in high school, and have the skill of commanding a room. I found that I fit in really well in the music department and love to teach music!”
Albrecht chose Northern for its great music and education program, as well as being ‘close enough and far enough away from her home and affordable.
“NSU allows a great opportunity to build relationships with fellow students and professors since it is a smaller campus,” said Albrecht. “The faculty has so much experience to share with students, and there were many opportunities for field experiences and student teaching.”
Summer Work and Extracurriculars
During the summer, Albrecht works at an old-time photo studio in Keystone, S.D., near Mt. Rushmore, where she has the chance to meet people from all over the world and take their photo.
“I do photography on the side as well. Mostly headshots, senior photos, and families,” Albrecht said. “I also choreograph for NSU’s theater as well as the Community Theater in Aberdeen, and the Young People’s Theater.”
When Albrecht is not studying during the semester, she participates in on campus activities like NSU’s symphonic band, percussion ensemble, Aberdeen University Civic Symphony, Marching Wolves and Concert Band.
Albrecht also enjoys hobbies such as hiking, hammocking, cooking, swimming, dancing and choreographing.
“Northern has shown me many doors and has taught me to take opportunities that are given to me,” said Albrecht. “College has blessed me with many lifelong friends and great memories with those friends.”
Plans for the Future
In the future, Albrecht hopes to travel the world, learning about different places and their cultures by travelling to a new country each summer.
“Ultimately, I want to be remembered as a kind and happy person. I want my students to know that they can achieve anything that they put their mind to,” said Albrecht. “I want to be the inspiration and positivity in students’ lives.”
Albrecht plans to graduate after the fall 2018 semester, and hopes to find a job teaching middle and high school band soon after.