Meet Catherine Lachance

Katie, who wanted to study both music and computer science, chose to pursue a dual degree in the College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, which will result in her receiving degrees in both music and computer science. In her spare time, Katie plays twelve instruments (her voice, oboe, english horn, flute, piccolo, piano, clarinet, recorder, soprano, alto and tenor sax, and xylophone) and performs in several on-campus musical groups.

What made you choose the College?
"I loved the campus. It has such a good reputation. I wanted to get an academic background in music as well as have the opportunity to learn about other subjects."

What did you think you would major in before arriving at Penn?
"When I came into Penn I was going to get a degree in music and a minor in computer science and then I found out you can get two degrees and decided to apply to the dual degree program."

What do you like most about being a student at Penn?
"Meeting new people every day and finding out that everyone is from completely different backgrounds."

What was your favorite class at Penn and why?
"Calculus II (Math 141) because it was really logical and it was easy to understand for me."

How have you pursued your studies outside the classroom?
"I play oboe and English horn in the Penn Symphony Orchestra, oboe in the Baroque Ensemble, and oboe and English horn in the Wind Ensemble. I play clarinet, oboe, English horn, flute, piano and recorder in some of the production pits. I've played for Penn Players, Penn Singers and the Penn Law School Light Opera Company and I play at St. Agatha St. James every week. I also play clarinet in the Penn Band. I'm a teaching assistant for CSE 260, Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science, and I mentored last year for freshmen-level computer science courses."

What is so great about Philadelphia?
"The skyline is beautiful. The historical part of Philadelphia is really neat to spend time in. South Street is great. The Philadelphia Orchestra gives wonderful concerts."

What advice would you give to incoming students?
"Try to take advantage of as many opportunities as you can and don't be afraid to try new things. It's so much easier to make Penn your home if you get involved in at least one group that interests you."

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