As Rice University prepares to celebrate the Class of 2025 at commencement May 9-10, Rice News is spotlighting a series of soon-to-be graduates.
Sophie Urban, a senior trumpet performance major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, found her perfect fit at the Shepherd School of Music. Torn between a conservatory and a university experience, Urban said she chose Rice for the “best of both worlds”: world-class musical training and a close-knit community.
“The environment is just so supportive,” Urban said. “It pushes you, but it’s going to support you.”
At Rice, Urban studied with professor Barbara Butler and performed widely, including a one-year contract with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. She said she hopes to continue exploring musician wellness and injury prevention after graduation.