Junior Billy Wicks looks forward to advocating for the arts while enjoying workshops and appreciating musical talent in his new role as the Kansas collegiate president for the National Association for Music Education.

Wicks’ role is to be a representative for college students of Kansas at the state meetings and give a college perspective to all educators in the state.

“This is a huge honor within my future profession I want to go into,” Wicks said.

NAfME promotes advocacy for the arts and wants to help students who really find a passion within music. The group holds workshops where musicians from around the state showcase their talents in music education, partake in clinics for special interests, and help college chapters figure out their next steps.

“For me, I represent the college chapter of NAfME, and we have an annual meeting every October, where it is more centered on going a step further in one’s music career and giving helpful tips to advance on in music education,” Wicks said.

One of Wicks’ main goals in fulfilling his duties as collegiate president is to organize which universities have chapters so each can be more active and benefit from being a part of this national organization.

“I have been a member (of the NAfME) for several years and got really interested in furthering my participation,” Wicks said. “I am really looking forward to being involved on a broader base and help this organization advocate for music education.”

Music has always been part of Wicks’ background. His grandma was a very influential figure in his musical background and helped make him realize the enjoyment music brings to his life.

“My grandma has always been that solid post in my life and kind of taught me music,” Wicks said. “I took up singing in high school and it helped me realize the career path I wanted to take; not to be just to be a performer, but teach what I love to do.”

Director of Choral Activities Matthew Potterton is especially happy for Wicks earning this national honor.

“This is a great honor to receive and to be a representative of Baker on a national level,” Potterton said. “I think he will be fantastic as the new collegiate state president, and I am very proud.”