Heather Baker

Heather, a native of Mishawaka, IN, is beginning her third year as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the K-State Band Program. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Music Cognate. Prior to relocating to Kansas, Heather taught in the Indiana Public School system for 10 years, where she cultivated a strong passion for music education.

Heather earned her undergraduate degree from Ball State University (Muncie, IN) and a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music (Chicago, IL).

Active in the professional music community, Heather is a member of the National Band Association, an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma, and an alumna of Sigma Alpha Iota, the international music fraternity. She was selected as a 2024 Intern Scholar for the Technology in Music Education (TI:ME) Leadership Academy in San Antonio, TX. In 2021, she received the Outstanding Music Educator Award from the Michiana Indiana Region. Under Heather’s leadership, her previous school district earned the prestigious NAMM "Best Communities for Music Education" designation every year from 2016 to 2022. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the ConnSelmer Institute for over 15 years and was honored with the Hall of Fame Award in 2015.

Heather and her husband, Dan, are parents to two children: Bryant (6) and Charleigh (4). Dan, a former high school choir director, now serves as the Executive Producer of Heart of America Productions, LLC, organizing elite choir performance events across the country. The Bakers are thrilled to continue their journey as part of the Wildcat Band Family in their second year at K-State.