"Reflection on My Woods Journey"- Allee Taylor: MT Senior Reflection

 

Allee Taylor, Ring Day 2020

     It’s hard to believe that my four years at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is coming to an end. I have wanted to come to SMWC since I was old enough to know about college. I am a legacy student, and I grew up coming to the Woods on a regular basis. I remember being a kid and wanting nothing more than to perform on the Cecilian Auditorium stage. My aunt and my cousin were both very involved in the Music and Theatre department. I wanted nothing more than to follow in their footsteps.
    I remember the day Saint Mother Theodore Guerin was Canonized. I was young and didn’t fully understand, but I saw what it meant to the women around me. I saw how much wearing the Onyx ring meant to them. I saw the pride they had in being a Woodsie. I grew up supported by strong Woods women and they helped me become a strong Woods woman myself.

Allee with family - Woods women!

     One of my greatest experiences in college was being a part of the SMWC Madrigals. Both my aunt and cousin were Madrigals during their time at the Woods. Because of that, I knew being a Madrigal was something special. It is hard to put into words what being a Madrigal means to me. I am truly honored to have been a part of this group.

SMWC Madrigals performing in Conservatory

    

    I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Ireland with the Madrigals… TWICE! The first trip to Ireland was following my Freshman year. I got to tour a country that I love, with people that I love, singing beautiful music in amazing spaces. It was life changing. That trip is where I developed strong bonds with my peers, developing friendships that would last a lifetime.  

Choir in Ireland 2018

      The second trip to Ireland was different. For this trip, the Madrigals had been invited to participate in the 2019 Mayo County International Choral Festival. Our group of nine young women and our choir director, Michael Boswell, competed at an international level against choirs much bigger and more experienced than our own. Who would have thought that those same nine women would take home an international championship? This is one of my proudest accomplishments. But, what really made that trip for me wasn’t the trophies and the title; but it was the bonds that were formed between the members of the group. The connection I felt to the other Madrigals during that trip was extremely special. I will never forget the amazing memories we made together.

SMWC Madrigals after winning the 2019 Mayo County 
International Choral Festival Competition

     One of the best things about the Woods are the traditions. Traditions like Big/Little, the acorn ceremony, Ring Day, and so many more. These traditions make the Woods so unique and special. Big/Little is such an amazing tradition. My “bigs,” Sara Langenberger and Liz Yeazel, were extremely supportive throughout my journey at the Woods. They helped me through so many things and have always been there to support me. I love that this tradition helps the students build these bonds with one another. It really impacts the college experience.

Allee with Sara and Liz

     Another special tradition is Ring Day. I have been fantasizing about my Ring Day since I was a little girl. I watched my family wear their rings with such pride and honor. I could hardly wait to get one of my own. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Ring Day got postponed and it was a very emotional time. The dreams of having Ring Day in the Church of the Immaculate Conception were not realized (understandably so). Even though we were unable to have a traditional Ring Day in the spring of our junior year, we were still able to have a beautiful, memorable ceremony in the Sunken Gardens in front of Le Fer Hall in the fall of our senior year.

Ring Day 2020

     I think that people can often take living in Le Fer for granted. Le Fer is like a huge castle with so much history and energy in the walls. It is amazing. I had the honor to be a Resident Assistant in my final year of college. I am so glad to have been able to connect with, and support, the residents of 4N and all the residents in Le Fer. 

     Something that has also been important to me in my time at the Woods is the theatre program.  I have been involved in every production since my first year at SMWC. I have worked as the Student Assistant for the Technical Director and Production Manager the past two years and also worked as Assistant to the Director of theater productions (who was my cousin Danielle O'Connor) my first two years. I have devoted a lot of time, energy, and love into theatre at the Woods. One of my favorite memories was getting the opportunity to play the lead role of Violet in the fall of 2019. I will never forget the amazing experiences I had on that stage.

Allee as "Violet" in SMWC theater production 

     I have also dedicated a lot of time to student organizations including being president of the Music Therapy Student Association (MTSA), president of the Drama Club, a member of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), and being a Senior and Junior class officer. It has been an amazing experience to be president of MTSA, with an opportunity to advocate and share my love of music therapy with the members of the student association.

Music Therapy Student Association 2019-20

     I am so happy that I chose the path of music therapy. Being a music therapy major can be difficult at times, but the work is very rewarding. Music therapy pushes you to become the best version of yourself. Over my time in the Music and Theatre Department, I have gained so much self-awareness and so many skills that I never imagined possible. The Music and Theatre Department Chair and Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Therapy, Sharon R. Boyle, has continued to support me on my journey and has helped me build so much confidence in my abilities. I am so thankful for the growth I’ve experienced over these four years. I am also so excited to be continuing my music therapy journey in my 6-month music therapy internship at Opportunities for Positive Growth in Fishers, IN. There I will be serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SMWC Music Therapy representing at the
GLR-AMTA Conference in March 2020 

     These final weeks of the school year have been very reflective. For my senior project I chose to do a self-reflective project, spending a lot of time thinking back to who I was at different points throughout my collegiate journey. I decided to write a show that consists of four monologues and three songs to share my experience, but also provide support to current and future students. At this link, you will find a recording of my monologues and songs written and performed for my senior project.
      Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey. Thank you to my professors and peers for helping me become the person I am today

Allee and her Aunt Veronica Kindley, alum,
 in Cecilian Auditorium

Allee with her fellow MT seniors in front of Le Fer Hall

Author: Allee Taylor, SMWC senior music therapy major

Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre

Photo Credits: Sharon R. Boyle, Allee Taylor

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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 

. 

Time "Zooms" Fast: A Senior Reflection by Olivia Wendel

Olivia Wendel, senior music therapy major

“It just kind of clicked in my mind that this is what I should be doing with my life… Music Therapy.” These are the words I wrote in this blog my freshman year. What does this mean? Originally, I declared as an environment science student, with hopes of becoming a meteorologist. I changed my major just a few weeks before class started in the fall and never looked back. What flipped the switch? I cannot perfectly articulate it, but I sum it up to God’s Providence. 

I always referred to myself as the “black sheep” of my cohort. I came into the SMWC Music Therapy Program never having formal voice training, no guitar skills, and some piano knowledge—skills that are important to have as a music therapist. I looked at my classmates and was in awe of their skills and talent and wondered when it’d be my turn to be “that good.” The thing about the SMWC Music Therapy Program is that it teaches you many things, one being how to gracefully fail. You’re not going to be the best at everything—that is why you are at school. If you already knew everything, then what’s the point of being at school? This was a hard pill to swallow for me, as an over-involved perfectionist struggling with musical skills. Failure was bound to happen, but the grace of others is what saved me. The professors were there in a time of failure and faults. They would say, “Okay, you messed up. How can you salvage it? How can you learn from it?” They would not let you give up, that would be far too easy. That gentle nudge of grace is why I am here today, and why I no longer refer to myself as the “black sheep”.

Playing a flute solo for a Spring Choral Concert

The opportunities that I have been able to experience while at the Woods have been life changing. Being (over)involved in clubs and organizations (Music Therapy Student Association, Class Officer, etc.), being a Resident Advisor, being a member of the Concert Band, pep band, Chorale, Madrigals (my final semester), and holding two campus jobs has shaped me into the person I am today. Without all of these things, I wouldn’t have any clue of my abilities to perform or lead. I know that I would not be able to be that involved at any other school, so I count my blessings twice about my time at the Woods. I think the most important blessing has been the people that have been here, are currently here, and who will continue to be there for me.

SMWC Madrigals meeting via Zoom

            I came into the Music and Theatre Department having little knowledge of music theory, aural skills, guitar, voice, improvisation skills, psychology, anatomy, music history, and life. I leave with a fantastic education from the best place on earth. Not only this, but I leave with several MTLPs (music therapy life partners)! One of the hardest things about ending the physical semester so abruptly (due to COVID-19 restrictions) is the lack of closure with my friends, classmates, and professors. Zoom has been a literal life preserver during this time. But, what I do know is that while we may not be together in person on campus, our voices still resonate within those walls of the Conservatory, the hours we logged in those practice rooms still exist, and our heart and souls still remain in the place we call home – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

(Top: Ring Day; Bottom: Members of SMWC Music Therapy Student Association)

“Be filled with the Spirit… singing and playing to the Lord with all your heart.”

Ephesians 5:18-19

Senior Reflection Blog Post Author: Olivia Wendel, a senior music therapy major, who will begin her music therapy internship starting in summer 2020 with Rhythm Garden Music in Jasonville, Indiana.

Blog Post Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy Program. 

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

Welcome to the New SMWC Music and Music Therapy Students!

Olivia Wendel

Olivia Wendel, who plays flute and is a freshman music therapy major, was originally going to major in Environmental Science, but she heard about the music therapy program after enrolling at SMWC. “It just kind of clicked in my mind that this is what I should be doing with my life.” Olivia knew she had a passion for helping others and has always been musical throughout her life.  She says the biggest surprises at SMWC have been the differences between coming from a large high school to a small college: “You get more one-on-one attention if you ever need it.” She is growing as a musician and she loves the opportunities. Olivia advises future SMWC music therapy students to be ready for a new family. “You have a huge support system that is helping and pushing you along the way. It's truly an amazing thing.”

Jacob Wilson

 Jacob Wilson, a percussionist and freshman music therapy major, had not heard of music therapy prior to applying to SMWC. A percussionist, he had a lot of interest in psychology and becoming a therapist. “I thought it [music therapy] was perfect. I could help people through therapy and still have a strong connection to music.” To future SMWC music therapy students: “Jump in and fear not, for your professors are there to help you.” He adds: “If you have a natural inclination for music and want to help people, what better way than to be a Music Therapist?” Jacob plays many different instruments which will serve him well as a music therapist including: guitar, piano, ocarina, and Native American flute.

Catherine Larson

SMWC 2016-17 Musician of Promise Scholarship winner, Catherine Larson, is a soprano and freshman music therapy major. Catherine is not a fan of large class sizes and uninterested professors, so when she came to the Woods and saw the small student body and invested professors she knew it was a good fit. “I just knew that this is where I needed to be.” Reflecting on her campus visit where she learned about music therapy, she says “I fell in love and everything fell into place.” Her connections to professors and their willingness to help, along with how comfortable and strongly organized the music therapy program is have been the biggest surprises. Catherine’s advice for students interested in majoring in music therapy? “Go ahead and do it. SMWC is very special especially the music program and if you like small environments, and peace, this is the place to be.” She adds that singing with the SMWC Chorale and Madrigals has been something she dreamed of since seeing a concert as a prospective student. 

Sara Langenberger

                                                                           Sara Langenberger, soprano and sophomore in music, has plans of changing her major after watching a video about Music Therapy helping treat Alzheimer's Disease. “I have family members who have experienced this disease, so it is very close to my heart. It sparked my interest, and the more I learned about it the more I loved it!” Sara’s biggest surprise about the SMWC Music Therapy Program has been “just how all of the teachers are genuinely kind and want you to succeed, which is something you may not find at a large college.” Her advice to future MT students: “Keep an open mind and get ready to learn because this will truly change your life.”

Natalie Coffin

Natalie Coffin, singer/songwriter and pianist, is pursuing her second bachelor’s degree in music therapy. “I have a BA in Creative Writing from IUPUI and am a lifelong professional singer songwriter and musician who was planning to go to law school.  But life took a different turn for me last year.  My mother became ill unexpectedly and passed away after a brief illness.  I had a lot of hours to think about life in the eight weeks she was in the hospital.  Before she passed away, in one of our last conversations, she told me to create a life I would love, and to never give up on music.  So…that is why I’m here.” Natalie feels music therapy is such an exciting field.  “In this short time I can see that there is so much to learn, and yet, I feel as if I’m already a part of a wonderful profession that has so much to offer not only clients and patients, but also to us as Music Therapy students and eventually as Music Therapists.  I’m immensely grateful to be studying Music Therapy at SMWC.” Reflecting on her decision to apply and audition at SMWC, Natalie says, “The audition process was way out of my comfort zone.  It took a lot of practice and a lot of prayer.  And of course, Professor Sharon Boyle and Dr. Tracy Richardson and the rest of the entire department made it so easy.  I can honestly say it was one of my proudest life moments when I completed my audition and was offered a place in the Music Therapy Program of SMWC.  As Oprah says, it was a full circle moment for me, one that I had dreamed about for a very long time…And the best part is, I know that I am becoming an even better musician, expanding my skill set, facing my fears, and living life without regret.  How cool is that?” Natalie is hoping to add the new songwriting emphasis to her major: “I am looking forward to learning more about composition and notation as I have some music percolating in my mind that is of the symphonic choral ensemble type.”

            

*Sarah Cary

            Sarah Cary, alto and transfer student into the music therapy program this year, originally majored in Music Education at another institution. “I began to look at other majors. While researching, I came to the conclusion I was very interested in counseling and therapy work. However, none of what I found included music and I wanted to keep music within my career. For a while I thought there was no career that involved both of my interests. I met a current music therapy student at SMWC and he spoke to me about the major. “Since I’ve started, I am loving it! I was told so many positive things about being a student at the Woods and I am now experiencing them first-hand.” When asked about the biggest surprise about being in the SMWC Music and Theatre Department, Sarah said she is amazed at how invested the instructors are in students' individual growth. “They ask us how we’re doing and are actually interested in our answers. They want to make sure we are understanding our school work and succeeding as much as possible. Our instructors are very willing to help students outside of the classroom and let us know when we are doing well. Our instructors make sure to let us know when we make improvements. I really appreciate that.” Sarah’s advice to future students? “Work hard and dedicate yourself. This is your future career and the only way to work well in your field is to put in the work and dedication now.”

Toby Inserra

Tobias “Toby” Inserra, percussionist and freshman music therapy major, knew he wanted to pursue music therapy from the start and loved SMWC after visiting. “The biggest surprise has to be how much I love it! I just thought it was going to be like any other degree program, but I quickly found that I'm not here to get a degree I am here to get the foundation for my career.” Toby’s advice to students looking into the music therapy program here? “Do it! I was unsure if this was going to be the right fit for me, but it only took one visit for me to figure out this is where I need to be. So just take a chance and at least see what it’s all about.” Toby is excited to be part of the renewal of the instrumental studies and band at SMWC. “As a percussionist, I am really looking forward to being a part of the band brought back this year. While we are just a small band now we will grow and become an integral part of the SMWC music program.”

    

Annamaria Farmer, freshman MT major

Jacob Reinhart, freshman music major

  Jacob Reinhart, bass/baritone and music major, saw the opportunity to be one of the first undergraduate male music students in the Department of Music and Theatre. “I felt the opportunity too rare to give up and decided to pursue my degree here.” Jacob advises future music students: “For any other guys who are thinking of enrolling in the music program they certainly should invest some time looking into this school because it does have, in my opinion, an excellent program without too much pressure. From what I've learned here so far I can definitely say this school would be a good choice for those who want to take their music education seriously.” Jacob likes to sing classical, Broadway, and gospel music. “I'd like to learn more contemporary styles because I believe a singer should be able to sing all kinds of music.” Jacob is a member of the new Woods Vocal Ensemble started this year.

      

*Blog post author: 
Sarah Cary, Music Therapy Student Assistant 

Editor and Blog Coordinator: 
Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC

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For more information about the Undergraduate (Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy) or the Music Therapy Equivalency Campus Programs, contact Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy:

phone: (812) 535-5145; email: sboyle@smwc.edu