Graduation

I graduated!!

I can't believe it! I just graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Western Carolina University. I could not have done it without the amazing support of the people in and around the School of Music.

Caroline Long took these amazing graduation pictures of me around WCU's campus.

Thank you's

 I wrote individual notes to most of these people with more heartfelt things than what I'm going to say here. But I want to thank these wonderful humans again.

Dr. Adam Groh
For always supporting my dreams, even if it meant running you over occasionally as I ran around from project to project. For introducing me to the wonderfully diverse community that surrounds us. For listening to me play glockenspiel for a year without too many complaints. For encouraging me in my adventure of finding the perfect school to pursue my Masters. And for so much more.

Dr. Diana Loomer
For introducing me to the world of Steel Pan, an essential for my Masters studies. For introducing me to the possibilities of Melodic Timpani playing - an instrument I refused to play until you opened my eyes to the possibilities. For telling me about the Womxn in Percussion facebook group that has changed my perception of what kind of percussionists can be and will be successful. And so much more.

Dr. Christina Reitz
For teaching me that Music History is not just Cis-White men but is actually beautifully diverse from race to sexuality to gender identity to all kinds of different things. For helping me get a job as a student tutor and allowing me to ramble for hours to your glassy-eyed non-major students about protest music/minimalism/and so many other topics they could care less about. For encouraging my brief fling with composing. And so much more.

​All other faculty throughout my four years in Cullowhee that have changed my life.

The Studio
Most importantly thank you to the percussion studio that I have had the pleasure to get to know for four years. Countless people have come and gone, each leaving an impact on me and my career.

The womxn
To the six womxn and female-presenting individuals who were in the studio during this past year. You all are powerful. You all are beautiful. You defy the stereotype of who can be a successful percussionist every day. I could not be more proud or thankful to be fighting the patriarchy alongside a better group of humans.