November 2, 2009
Our People
Profile: Kimberly Goff
Growing up with a natural love of animals, it is no surprise that sophomore Kimberly Goff knew early on she wanted to provide for their care and welfare as a veterinarian. However, it was a family trip when she was 6 years old that would influence her to explore her artistic side, as well.
The animal and dairy science major remembers visiting the Adam's Mark Hotel in Memphis and sitting at the feet of the performing harpist, totally enchanted by the angelic sounds of the harp and the beauty of the young musician in her elegant gown and flowing black hair.
Kimberly spent the next year convincing her parents to let her learn to play the instrument before they finally relented and bought her a folk harp to begin her studies under the harpist for the University of Memphis. After three years of studies, they made the significant investment to purchase a concert harp and the rest, as they say, is history.
Studying for the next several years with noted harpist Mary Abbay Gourley, Kimberly has gone on to earn a reputation in her own right for her abilities, having played with the Memphis and Tupelo symphonies and as harpist for the MSU Wind Ensemble and Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra.
"I've always known I wanted to be a veterinarian and care for animals," Kimberly said. "But playing the harp has become a part of who I am, and I can't imagine ever not playing."
Next week … Barbara Spencer !
