From the time she was 5 years old, singing in church and later performing in choirs, theatre and opera, Dr. Sara Harris Baker’s life has revolved around the arts. That passion led her to study vocal performance, pursue advanced degrees in music education and research the power of arts outreach in schools, all while advocating for the future of performance spaces across the country.
With experience as an educator, dean, performer and co-owner of the Beltonian Theatre, Baker officially stepped into her role as Executive Director of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in June. She now sees the PAC as the culmination of her life’s work: a place where education, performance, advocacy and community intersect to create a welcoming hub for the entire Coastal Bend.
Kylie Cooper: What drew you to this role and how does it feel stepping into a new chapter?
Dr. Sara Harris Baker: My family was at a transition point in our lives. Our only child had just graduated from high school, and I had recently completed a retreat for women leaders in higher education. I knew I wanted to expand the impact of my leadership, and my husband and I were drawn to the coastal environment in this empty nest phase of life. Stepping into this next chapter, I have 23 years of arts education experience behind me, and I am feeling confident in my skills but, most importantly, confident in my ability to continue learning and growing.
KC: How have the first few months on the job been?
SHB: Like every new job, there’s a big learning curve. However, I will say, the PAC has a tremendous team who have been all-in with their enthusiasm and energy to support me and the next generation of PAC programming. We had a few weeks to strategize, but some of what we’re doing is building the new plane while we’re flying it. We’re making nimble adjustments as we go.
KC: The PAC isn’t just a performing arts venue for students, but rather a hub where the community comes together in celebration of the arts. How do you envision expanding on that role?
SHB: I think this is one of the biggest misconceptions that we are working to overcome: that the PAC is just for university events and students. Certainly, we want students to always feel welcome in our space, but we want the whole community to feel like the PAC is for them. One way we already do this is by providing incredibly affordable arts experiences. Our top ticket price in the Furgason BRAVO! Series is $35, and there are discounts for seniors, active duty military/veterans and students (not just TAMU-CC students). We are working hard on a marketing strategy to make sure the community stays informed and knows they are invited to experience all that the PAC has to offer.
KC: The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, among other community groups and events, calls the PAC home. How important is it for the PAC to serve as a gathering place for local organizations and audiences?
SHB: In particular, the Corpus Christi Symphony was a huge inspiration for the PAC 20 years ago. That relationship runs deep and has consistently kept the PAC on the community’s cultural radar. With regard to the PAC as a gathering place, the world really changed during the COVID pandemic. All of us became more withdrawn and spent more time behind screens. Now, we’re seeing the negative effects of that, such as isolation and depression. Experiencing live performance with others can help elevate mood and give audience members a chance to meet other people in real life.
KC: The Furgason BRAVO! Series highlights the intersection of culture and artistry. What excites you most about this lineup, and what do you hope audiences take away?
SHB: Dr. Robert and Gloria Furgason had an amazing vision for bringing world-class culture to the Coastal Bend, and the PAC has delivered. This season consists of Los Texmaniacs, a conjunto group from San Antonio; Twincussion, Taiwanese twin brothers who perform on marimbas and other percussion instruments; The Limeliters, a folk trio originating in San Francisco; The Glenn Miller Orchestra, a faithful tribute to the big band era; Seraph Brass, an all-women brass ensemble; and Brian Skerry, award-winning National Geographic oceanic photographer.
I think what excites me the most is being able to present a season that gives attendees a chance to broaden their experiences and tastes. It’s not just chamber music or lectures, but it spans historical eras, geography and influences. I hope audiences walk away with the curiosity to want to learn more!
KC: Looking ahead, are there any new directions you’d like to explore?
SHB: Yes! We want to add some new series, more family programming, more film events, more well-known popular artists. We’re also booking some comedians and distinguished speakers. Also, we are open to co-presenting and collaborating with our community partners. If you have an idea, we want to hear it!
KC: When you think about the impact of the arts, what’s one performance or moment that has stayed with you and continues to inspire your work?
SHB: I’m going to name two very different memorable inspirations. I have been able to see Renee Fleming, the operatic soprano, on stage live several times in the U.S. and abroad. Her commanding presence inspires me. She is graceful and lovely, and strong and smart all at the same time. Her recent work with the Kennedy Center resulted in the research anthology Music and Mind, which is a worthy read. Conversely, I lived close to Austin for years and had the chance to see many popular performers. I saw Gwen Stefani on her solo tour in the early 2000s. She sang “Just a Girl,” and in the middle, she dropped to the ground, did 50 push-ups, then popped up and sang the rest of the song. She wasn’t even out of breath!
KC: What do you hope the Coastal Bend community says about the PAC five years from now under your leadership?
SHB: I hope they will say, “Because the PAC brought it to the Coastal Bend, I was able to see the performer who entertained me and inspired me to be the best version of myself.”
KC: What’s one thing you’d like readers to know about you as you begin this role that might not be in your official bio?
SHB: That if you’re doing the work of the arts at any level—playing, singing, painting, throwing on the ceramics wheel, acting, dancing, or teaching others how it’s done—I am your fan. My heart is full when I see people in the act of creating.
KC: What are a few of your top local recommendations?
SHB: I’m a huge coffee and wine snob. Hester’s Cafe makes an incredible cup of coffee. Coffee Waves is my favorite drive-thru for coffee, and Fork and Vines and Bellino’s have top-notch wine lists with delicious food to match. Also, if you’re in a wine club in town, please invite me.
