Amber Grooms is a senior from Floyds Knobs, IN. Amber is a mezzo-soprano and is this year’s CNAfME Outstanding Future Music Educator Award winner. 

“I have loved singing and reading music ever since I joined choir! My high school choral director has been an inspiration ever since middle school, and her exemplary model as a musician and as a citizen led me to pursue music education in college.  

“I chose Ball State for several reasons. My first solo voice teacher is a Ball State alumna and could only name positive things about the university and the program, especially in the realm of pedagogy. The facilities are of high quality and the campus is so beautiful, especially now when the flora and foliage are growing and blooming. I was also impressed by the structure of the Honors Program. The opportunity to study other topics and philosophies has really helped me inform my decision-making in my own major and as a person in general. 

“Opportunities to perform in professional settings at Ball State with VOCES8, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and at the ACDA Regional Conference not only consisted of wonderful performances, but they were also excellent opportunities to bond with fellow choir members outside of rehearsals—the latter two outside of campus—so I will always remember those opportunities dearly.”