SMWC 2018-19 Academic Year Brings New Students

Each fall, we like to introduce a few of the incoming music and music therapy students who have joined the SMWC community. Some were recently interviewed to learn more about them and their decision to come to the Woods.

Autumn Wilson

Autumn Wilson is a freshman music therapy student who plays both viola and percussion. 

What drew you to pursuing a degree in music therapy at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods? I knew that I didn't want to go any further than five to six hours away from my hometown, so that greatly limited my choices of schools once I decided I wanted to pursue music therapy. I had never heard of SMWC until I found out someone I knew was joining the program here, so I later decided to check it out when I began looking for music therapy programs. I love the atmosphere and the people. Besides having a beautiful campus, I was drawn here because of the genuine, friendly, and helpful people I met.

When did you start learning viola? I began playing the viola in fourth grade as part of our local youth symphony which has since been dissolved and implemented into the school system. It was called Plymouth Community Youth Orchestra, but I'm glad that the program grew so much that it was incorporated into the school system.

How has your view of music changed since you’ve been studying here at Saint-Mary-of-the Woods? Although I've been playing music for a long time in both band and orchestra, I've really learned how multi-faceted music is because there are many aspects. My view on music hasn't really changed; it has expanded and I'm grateful. My journey has just begun, and I look forward to learning and growing more as a student, musician, and as an individual.

Robert Euhl, first year MT student

Robert Euhl, a percussionist, is a second degree student in his first semester of the undergraduate music therapy program. 

Many colleges are beginning to offer a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy. What lead you to choose Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods? With being a husband, father of three children, and having roots in Bloomington, IN, commuting was (and is) my only option. While looking through the nearest-by colleges offering music therapy, I first looked at the cost. There appears to be great effort made here at SMWC to find financial aid for students and that is something for which I'm very grateful. I also felt drawn to SMWC which is something I didn't feel with the other schools. There is an inner voice I believe we all have that when we listen, points us in the direction we should go. I am guilty of not listening to my inner voice sometimes (which is one reason I'm only now, in my 40's, pursuing music therapy) but this time I listened and scheduled a campus visit. While on the campus for the first time and seeing the organic garden, the conservatory, the rich history of the campus and how the value of sustainability (the garden, no unnecessary lights were on in the buildings, etc.) lined up with mine, my mind was basically made up. The program is not easy though and I occasionally let myself become stressed out and whine about it a little, but then I remember why I'm here and why I'm here to stay to the end...to serve others to my fullest ability.

What inspired you to pursue this degree? This will be my second degree. My first degree is an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Indiana University. It was one of the many ways I delayed studying music therapy. But, because some of the credits from IU transferred to the music therapy program here at SMWC, it will take less time to complete my degree here. I was inspired to pursue music therapy back in 1993 while I was employed as a CNA in a nursing home working with Alzheimer's residents. Being a musician, I would often play the piano or a guitar for the residents during dinner or at random in the day room. There were certain songs I would play that almost always created a festive atmosphere involving dancing, singing, hand clapping and laughing. For a short time while the live music was happening, the residents were brought out of their institutional situation and transported to their little music festival in the day room. There's nothing like live music! One day my nurse supervisor said to me between songs on the piano, "you know, there's a professional field called music therapy you might want to consider." 
   
A light shined in me as a beacon of purpose at those words and the illumination has never faded. I tried to ignore it through the years because of various unfounded fears and discouragement from others. But eventually, after countless jobs that had little meaning for me and experiencing the unhappiness that comes with them, I followed the beacon toward my true service. Furthermore, I will never again ignore my calling and I would encourage others to not ignore theirs either. Doing so does not serve well.

Bridgett Sider is a freshman music major studying voice and her mother also attended the Woods.

What have you learned about yourself as you have started studying music at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College?

Bridgett Sider, music major

So far, I've found that I love studying music far more than I thought I did in high school. Here at the Woods, I have an incredible opportunity to study in a gorgeous building with amazing teachers and I'm beyond excited to continue my education here.

When did you begin studying voice, and why did you become interested in theatre? I started studying voice when I was very young, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I actually got a teacher and got into choirs and things. Musical theatre was always part of my life since I was very young, but I never got the chance to be involved with it until high school. I was drawn to theatre because I just had this love of being on the stage, and joining the Bristol Renaissance Faire only helped that love grow. That was my first experience on an interactive stage, and I think it has greatly fueled my drive to become more involved in theatre.

What would you tell someone who was considering studying music at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College? The community here is amazing. The amount of support you get the moment you walk into the Conservatory is incredible, and I only have good things to say. 

Katelyn ("Katy") Pell, MT major

Katy Pell is a first year music therapy major who is also a member of the SMWC Madrigals and is a Musician of Promise Scholarship winner.

What is a favorite aspect about being a Pomeroy/”Woodsie”? My favorite part about being a "Woodsie" is being able to be a part of all of the traditions and learn about the history of the school! 

Why did you decide to study music therapy at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College instead of another college or university? When I first visited during a college visit, I immediately felt connected to the campus. I loved the close-knit community that SMWC has, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it! 

What types of music do you like to play, and what type(s) do you hope to become more familiar with throughout your studies? I enjoy playing all types of music, but I would love to learn more about hip-hip and how to play it.

New music and music therapy students (Not pictured: Bridgett Sider)

It is always exciting every year to welcome new students into the Department of Music and Theatre! We wish all new students in all our programs (MAMT, MTED) well as the academic year progresses.

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Blog Post Editor/Author: Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC is Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program. Interviews were conducted by Caroline Steinrock Music Therapy Student Assistant. Photo Credits: Caroline Steinrock 

To learn more about the Music and Music Therapy programs at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, check out our website here. 

New Beginnings for Our New SMWC Music and Music Therapy Majors



New music and music therapy students 2017-18

It is hard to believe that another academic year at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is well underway. In fact, we just celebrated our Homecoming this past weekend and the Homecoming Concert was an incredible way for all parts of our campus to come together through the arts. With each new academic year, we welcome new students into the Department of Music and Theatre. We have so many students from different places, with diverse life experiences and musical backgrounds. Enjoy meeting some of our new students, some who are studying as music majors and several others who are music therapy majors.

Ashley Griggs

Ashley Griggs has come to the Woods after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bluegrass, Country, and Old Time Music from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Ashley is pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy after debating about the amount of time it would take to earn a second degree. “No matter what societal norms dictate, there aren’t actually any rules about when you should finish secondary education. I wanted playing music to be a fulfilling experience. I love performing as a singer/songwriter. That will always be an important aspect of my life, but I wanted to play music for people beyond the purposes of entertainment.” Ashley reflects on her time at ETSU and compares it to her new experiences here at SMWC: “I learned so much from masters of this music and treasure my time there [at ETSU]. I knew coming into the music therapy program that many people would be from different musical backgrounds, specifically classical backgrounds, and I found this simultaneously terrifying and exciting. I am also very aware that as future music therapists, we need to be well-rounded musicians.” Ashley hopes to share her experiences with other students as they share theirs with her. About the recent Homecoming Concert: "Singing with the alumni made me feel more a part of this community. I was also asked to play fiddle on a piece the Madrigals were doing.  I never thought I would get to combine my love of fiddle with my love of choral music. I've always had to separate the two. In some ways this concert confirmed that I made the right choice and coming to SMWC."

Rose Shaffer



Abigail “Rose” Shaffer is a student majoring in Music Therapy with a primary instrument of saxophone. Rose has said, “The biggest surprise to me about the music therapy program is that it's very hands on at some points, which is great and fun!” She enjoys participating in musical experiences and then discussions of how the experience may be used in a session with clients. Rose looks forward to working with clients during her practicum experiences in the coming years: “I think while it'll provide a lot of challenges, it'll be worth it in the very end. Helping the client in the end is what's worth it.” When asked which SMWC tradition she finds most interesting, Rose said Big/Little Week. “It gives the freshmen a chance to make friends with an older student and have fun [while figuring out the identify of their] Big.”            




Valerie Haley

Valerie Haley

is a new student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy at SMWC and one of the recipients of the 2017-18 Musician of Promise Scholarship. Haley, one of the 2017-18 Musician of Promise Scholarship winners, is also a member of the SMWC Band, Chorale, and Madrigals. Valerie was drawn to music therapy because it was a profession where she could utilize her gifts and talents to help people in need. When asked about her biggest surprise about the SMWC Music Therapy Program, Valerie stated, “It was a surprise to me how different each student is and how each person comes from a different starting point. There are so many different perspectives and the music faculty are really good at working with each student at their own level.” Valerie reflects on the recent Homecoming Concert: “It has been a lot of work keeping up with all the music I’m supposed to learn between Chorale, Madrigals, and Band, but at the same time, I love how my life has become totally saturated with music. I particularly enjoy Madrigals because you can sense that everyone involved has a deep love for music-making...I feel like this concert gave me a little more of a connection to the College's past.” Valerie looks forward to Ring Day for ”it’s about accomplishment, growth, and maturity” and she finds it interesting and meaningful.

Caroline Steinrock

Caroline Steinrock comes from a long background of piano playing. “I have been playing since the second grade, and I never want to stop learning!” She is now majoring in Music Therapy with piano as her primary instrument. Since studying music at the collegiate level, Caroline speaks of her new perspective of music: "I have been exposed to many new musical experiences. I have never sung in a choir before, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how exciting it is! Making music with that large of a group is exhilarating. Performing in the Homecoming Chorale concert was an all-around memorable experience for me as a brand new student here at The Woods. When we opened our portion of the concert with “Lion Sleeps Tonight”, I immediately smiled and began to really get into the music. It was evident that the audience really enjoyed our song selection, and I could feel a great sense of community from where I was standing." When asked about her experience so far at the Woods, she says, “I love being a Pomeroy, because everyone around you is as passionate about their education and their talents as you are. It’s a great environment to be in.”

Sarah Petty, a Music major and flute primary, talks about her love of music. “I have been in band since the 6th grade, and taking private lessons for 6 years.” Sarah is preparing for the Homecoming Concert in Band and Chorale: “In Band, the songs were coming together smoothly and everyone was playing their right parts. And in Chorale, everyone was singing the right parts and it flowed very well and everyone was blending.”

Ronald Brewer

Ronald Brewer, a new music student and singer at the Woods, is open to many types of music such as traditional, rock, hip hop, and others. He looks forward to expanding his musical skills, “I definitely want to grow more in my musical realms [for] both classical and musical theater. I would like to expand my vocals to things like jazz and perhaps some forms of rock. I believe in keeping yourself versatile.” So far, music theory and piano have been the most challenging for Ronald, “I think I grasp both of those subjects conceptually, but the actual execution is quite difficult.” Ronald is a member of the Woods Vocal Ensemble and has become involved in the fall theatrical production "Almost, Maine" which opens in November. When asked about the Homecoming Concert, he said, "I really enjoyed the energy of the audience. The enthusiasm of the alumni definitely made things easier for us to go through. He is applying himself and enjoying his experience as a Pomeroy: “It truly has been a blessing to be able to thrust myself into the community and be involved on this beautiful campus.”

Justine Gibson

Justine Gibson, another recipient of the 2017-18 Musician of Promise Scholarship, is majoring in Music Therapy with a primary study in voice. Justine discovered the power of music after her grandfather suffered from an injury and used music to ease pain during recovery. ”The effect music has on people” is what has drawn Justine to the music therapy profession. Michael Boswell, the Music and Theatre Department’s choral and voice professor, introduced Justine to music therapy as she studied voice with him during her final years of high school. Justine has found the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music to be the most interesting topic mentioned in her introductory music therapy class this semester. Justine performed in the Homecoming Concert as a member of both the Chorale and Madrigals. “It has been very fun. I love to learn new music, especially if there is a lot of it. Just pushes me to work harder! . . . my favorite part [of the Homecoming Concert] was when we were able to sing with the Alums. Singing it [the Ring Song] with the alums just gave me an even greater sense of unity, I just felt like I was right where I needed to be in that moment.”

New students showing their goofy sides - it is midterm after all!

Music Therapy at the Woods - Going Strong!
In addition to the growth in the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program, the Music Therapy Equivalency Distance Program continues to draw many students from across the country. Larisa McHugh, MTED Program Coordinator, and all the wonderful adjunct faculty and staff, are proud that the program celebrates 5 years!  The Master of Arts in Music Therapy program, under the leadership of Dr. Tracy Richardson and in its 17th year, continues to develop and expand its reach through amazing student research, alums who are leaders in the field, and faculty experts.




Blog post interviewer: Sarah Cary, Music Therapy Student Assistant 
Editor and Author: Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Therapy/Campus Equivalency
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For more information about the SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy and Music Therapy Equivalency-Campus programs, contact:
Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC
sboyle@smwc.edu 


For information about the SMWC Master of Arts in Music Therapy program, contact: Dr. Tracy Richardson, MT-BC
trichardson@smwc.edu


For more information about the SMWC Music Therapy Equivalency-Distance (MTED)Online program, contact:  Larisa McHugh, MA, MT-BC
lmchugh@smwc.edu