Midland Hit the Right Note
When Carter Anderson began looking for what he wanted in a college, he decided to find a place where he would be able to grow in the musical aspect of school. Carter found that right fit at Midland University, and he values the personalized attention and vibrant arts community as he prepares for a career in education.
“I was looking for somewhere that could give me lots of opportunities that would help me grow as a musician, performer, professional, and a person as a whole. Finding a community I could call home was very important to me coming out of high school as I knew it would make the transition easier.”
Carter is a senior PK-12 Music Education major from Oakland, Nebraska. He first learned about Midland when he was a sophomore in high school when he was able to participate in Midland’s All State Musical. After that experience, he decided to come back every summer and eventually scheduled a visit. “Meeting the education professors during my visit finally sealed the deal for me. I got to know more about how the education program works here, and it really showed me how Midland’s faculty is able to create connections with students at such a personal level.”
Carter is involved in the University Choir, BlueNotes (vocal jazz), Clef Dwellers (A Capella), University Band, University Jazz Band, and theatre on campus. He has also served as the costume assistant for the theatre department and is a collaborative pianist on campus.
“I always knew I wanted to be in education, and when I got more interested in music in high school, Music Education seemed like the best fit for me.”
One thing that he likes about Midland is how fast he was able to find an “arts family” when he got to campus. He feels that the faculty and students were welcoming, and he liked having a support system in college. “I appreciated how many opportunities there were to get involved within the community. There are endless amounts of activities and organizations, so there was truly no excuse not to get involved in something that interested me.”
Carter said Midland has helped him by providing different opportunities that he wouldn’t be able to have at a bigger university.
“I was able to be heavily involved in things that I love as well as being able to meet many people at such a personal level that I wouldn’t be able to if Midland wasn’t such a close-knit community.
“The arts directors have shown me extra support by allowing me to have leadership positions within their groups and ensembles. Being able to have close connections with professors really allowed me to be successful in their classes by having a strong line of communication for any questions I may have had.”
Carter is completing his student teaching in the Elkhorn Public Schools system this spring, currently at Elkhorn South High School, before transitioning to West Bay Elementary. After graduation, Carter plans to stay in the area to find a teaching position in either elementary general education or a secondary vocal music program.
Carter Anderson is a senior Music Education major from Oakland, Nebraska.
