About Mr. Baker

     Matthew Baker is a native of Fairfax, South Dakota. He earned a bachelor's degree in music from South Dakota State University (GO JACKS!) in 2008, and his teaching certificate from Black Hills State University in 2011. His career in education began as an assistant director for the Rapid City Children's Chorus. In 2011, he accepted a position teaching K-5 general music, choir, and beginning orchestra at St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary. During his five years in Rapid City, he also taught private voice lessons, directed two church choirs, and performed with multiple vocal and instrumental ensembles.

     Mr. Baker returned to Brookings in 2013, as the JK-3 general music teacher for Hillcrest Elementary. He accepted a transfer to Dakota Prairie Elementary upon its completion in 2015, and is very happy to be continuing his work there. He remains active on multiple musical fronts. He leads music at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, is president of the Sioux Valley Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and has adjudicated vocal contests throughout the state. But his favorite roles are those of husband to Pamela - a private voice and piano instructor - and father to his two sons, Logan and Camden.