Junior Charlie Barnhouse excels at representing what it means to be a Gustie. He is involved in many activities and organizations on campus and maintains a busy schedule.

Barnhouse is from Princeton, MN and graduated from Cambridge High School. He is a double major in Biology and Music with honors in music composition.

When Charlie is not in class he keeps himself busy in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Jazz lab band, working at the Gustavus Post Office and as a Gustie Greeter.

Barnhouse didn’t always think Gustavus was the spot he would end up, but after coming to college he knew it was the place for him as he felt very comfortable on campus and now calls Gustavus his home.

Charlie’s biggest piece of advice for incoming students is to not be shy.

“I tend to be pretty extroverted but also [can be] shy so my first year was hard. Making connections and getting involved was difficult for me. As I’ve spent more time here, I’ve realized that there is not any reason to be shy. I’ve learned that Gusties are very welcoming, accepting people”.

While biology and music have little correlation, “I picked Biology because the complexity behind life is fascinating to me. It amazes me how little some people know about their bodies and how they work.

“How can we really understand who we are when we don’t know what we are? It also doesn’t hurt that Biology is the most common major for med school matriculates” Charlie said.

Not everyone gets the opportunity to meet their best friend on the first day of college, but that was the case for Barnhouse and Alex Theship-Rosales.

“Charlie is sincere and understands where people are coming from, but always with a dash of humor to brighten your day.” — Alex Theship-Rosales

These two friends met the first night of orientation when they realized they lived in the same section in Norelius and were auditioning for band and the rest they say is history.

“Charlie is really good at being goofy in the best way possible, he just has this ability to relate to people and always says the right jokes” Theship-Rosales said. and yet at the same time he is super sincere and understands where people are coming from, but always with a dash of humor to brighten your day” Theship-Rosales said.

Barnhouse has a passion for both biology as well as music and was lucky enough to make both of them part of his life here at Gustavus. While Charlie started taking music lessons at the age of five, he was not planning on being involved in music in college.

“I just didn’t see how it could fit in with my future goals” Barnhouse said. That was until his high school band director and Gustie alum, encouraged him to prepare an audition for the Gustavus Wind Orchestra.

“Before I knew it I was playing in an ensemble more talented and more driven than I ever could’ve dreamed. I declared the major by the end of my first year. I like to say that I didn’t choose the Music Department at Gustavus— the Music Department chose me.”

College is more than doing well in classes, it is important to be engaged in the community and to allow your passions to develop. Barnhouse’s involvement on campus allows him to do just that.

“I can’t explain what my music ensembles mean to me. Music is a release. No matter how I am feeling, I can channel that through my instrument and express myself in ways I cannot otherwise” Charlie said.

Being in multiple ensembles has taught Charlie how to communicate specific thoughts with others in ways that nothing else could.

Besides music, Charlie is a Gustie Greeter and “[it has been] one of the most incredibly rewarding experiences of my life” Charlie said.

Making a difference in the college experience of first years and gaining supportive friends along the way.

“Gustie Greeters help with orientation. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about building lasting relationships and helping students when they’re beginning their newest journey” Barnhouse said.

“There is never a time in class where there is a dull moment if Charlie is actively engaged, which is all the time.” — Dr. Bryant

Gustavus professor Dr. Bryant has had Charlie in a classes including music theory two and three, orchestration, and is lucky enough to know him pretty well.

“Charlie’s personality is infectious in the fact that he is able to walk into a room and instantly put smiles on everyone’s faces.

“He’s always excited about what he is doing whether or not it’s in the music department or elsewhere on campus. He is very dedicated in everything that he does and you can tell that he is committed to what he does” Dr. Bryant said.

When Charlie graduates from Gustavus in 2019, he already has a few plans but but most importantly, an open mind for the future.

“Plan A is applying to medical school, but that’s definitely not my only hope. Part of me almost hopes I don’t get in, it’s kind of freeing in a way that I can do whatever I want now”.

Charlie has a refreshing outlook on life, an uplifting attitude, and a bright future ahead.