Karen Webber is a first-year student at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, majoring in Elementary Education and Lutheran Teaching. Hailing from Olathe, Kansas, it was Karen’s parents who originally made her join band in junior high. Since then it has become a huge part of her life. She became a drum major, and through band has been provided with many opportunities to travel, learn, and grow that she is immensely grateful for, and would not have otherwise had.

Karen is now a huge marching band fan. DCI competitions (the equivalent of professional marching band competitions) are the highlight of her summers. And whenever she sees a marching band, “I just have to stop and watch!” she says. Karen looks to her cousin Sara as her true inspiration for her academic success.