This week's alumni appreciation post is about Ms. Kimberly Hankins. She was a part of Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras for five years, where she played the violin and viola. Ms. Hankins participated in Philharmonia Orchestra from 2002-2005, as Violin 1 and 2, and Symphonic Orchestra from 2005-2006, in the Viola section. Kimberly says, "It was in FSYO that I found my love of orchestral playing".
After graduating high school and the FSYO program, Kimberly went on to Indiana University for her undergraduate studies. There she was able to obtain a Performance Diploma and Master of Music in Viola Performance. Once Kimberly graduated from Indiana University, she realized that she wanted to help others pursue a career in music. She said, "Helping students achieve their goals is extremely rewarding".
Deciding to further her education, Kimberly now attends Arizona State University in pursuit of a Doctorate of Musical Arts. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Viola, she currently teaches six undergraduate students, five of them majoring in music. She is also a member of The Herberger String Quartet, ASU's premiere graduate ensemble; as well as the violist for ASU's studio orchestra, a teaching orchestra for the student conductors.
Once Kimberly graduates from ASU she would like to balance teaching at the collegiate level and playing in an orchestra. When asked about the importance of music education, she believes "music education helps everyone think more creatively and appreciate music in their own lives. Classical music is something that should be accessible to everyone".
For more information about Ms. Kimberly Hankins, you can visit her website at https://kimberlyhankins.com/
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