Morningside Connect

Jacob Hecht is one of Morningside College’s sophomores. He traveled from his hometown of Lansing, Kan., to pursue his passion for music education.

At first, Hecht said it was challenging living so far away from home and being unable to visit often, but, eventually, it turned into a positive for him.

“I was unable to visit home often, but at the same time this helped me make some great friends by sticking around on the weekends,” said Hecht.

Hecht can normally be found studying in the library or practicing various instruments in Eppley Auditorium. If he’s not there or anywhere else on campus, there is a good chance he can be found in his room playing Super Smash Bros on the WiiU.

He is heavily involved in the music department. He is this year’s drum major of the Marching Mustangs and will be directing the marching band at halftime of the home football games. Hecht plays tenor saxophone in ensemble and jazz band along with alto and baritone sax in the saxophone ensembles. Besides playing in the musical groups, he is involved in Phi Eta Sigma and secretary of the music educators group CNAFME.

“I enjoy anything that has to do with music because it doesn’t seem like work to me,” said Hecht. “Every class and extra-curricular activity I am in aims to make me a better musician, teacher, and person, and I love that.”

His hard work has been paying off for him. Besides receiving the job of drum major, he was awarded the Berdina Hospers Woodwind Award, which is given to the student judged to have given the best performance of the year. Hecht also had the opportunity to play with The United States Army Field Band during its concert here.

After getting his degree in  K-12 instrumental music education at Morningside College, Hecht plans on getting his master’s in music education and spreading his passion for music through teaching.