By Autumn Wilson, Music Therapy Student Assistant and senior music therapy major
The beloved American sitcom Friends inspired the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Homecoming theme this year. This academic year, five new undergraduate students have joined the campus music therapy program. Much like the long-lasting camaraderie that is developed on Friends, the Department of Music & Theatre is excited to welcome these students as new members of the campus Woods community. As they begin their first year on campus, may they make memories that will last a lifetime, creating friendships as tight knit as those on Friends.
Avery Stein
“I have been blown away by how kind and willing to help everyone is. I was very anxious about bridging the gap from high school to college, but I feel like the friendliness of my peers made the transition 10x easier than I ever dreamed.”
Coming from Vincennes, Indiana, freshman music therapy student, Avery Stein, was drawn to the nature and rich traditions that The Woods has to offer. During her college visit, Avery’s father mentioned that SMWC seemed like a perfect fit for her, and she felt the same way. After deciding that she wanted to pursue a career in music, she learned about music therapy. Combining her passion for music with her love of helping people, Avery knew that music therapy was the path for her.
In addition to being a self-proclaimed tea aficionado, Avery has a range of interests including spending time in nature (she likes to hike, kayak and catch bugs with her little brother), a love for stationary (she enjoys calligraphy/hand lettering, wax sealing and writing letters), collecting Squishmallows, and reading (she’s currently reading the Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer). Avery also enjoys going to concerts, even having traveled as far as Seattle to attend one. If she could choose to do anything for a day, she would like to spend her day in nature exploring. When asked about her musical interests, Avery revealed that she enjoys playing jazz and funk music and listening to all variations of indie music (rock, pop, folk, etc.) Some of her favorite artists are Lorde, Guster, The Head and the Heart, Vampire Weekend and Jukebox the Ghost. She also enjoys rock artists such as The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Elton John, Nirvana, Alanis Morrisette and Weezer.
How would you describe yourself in 3-5 words?
Introverted, friendly, optimistic and adventurous.
Who is someone that you look up to, and why?
I have always looked up to my grandmother. She is an example of a true rags-to-riches story, and throughout the highs and lows of her life, she has always spread love and kindness. I have always admired her craftiness, [creativity] and her ability to bring people together. Every conversation I have with her provides me with new insight on how to live and I am forever grateful for her.
Please describe your musical background.
Most of my family [members] are musicians in some capacity, so it was only natural for me to want to be one. My grandma placed me in piano lessons for several years when I was really young, but I decided it wasn’t for me and switched to saxophone; I’ve been in love ever since!
If you could learn how to play any instrument, what would it be, and why?
I would really like how to learn how to play the banjo! I love folk music and the twang of a banjo just makes any song better.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
I could not go a day without music. I don’t like the room that silence gives me to think, and without music, I think I would spiral.
How was your first Homecoming experience?
It was nice to see my family and my new friends all together. It was an overwhelming sense of community.
Joynelis Caminero-Santiago
“I’m just looking to become the best version of myself.”
New music therapy student, Joynelis (Joy) Caminero-Santiago, describes herself as joyful, loving, creative, artistic and spontaneous. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Joy was drawn to music therapy because of her enjoyment when singing to others, specifically her great-grandmother and the music that they shared together. In her interactions, she could see how her great-grandmother felt better when she was singing to her and would often recall stories from her childhood. Upon realizing that she wanted to share experiences such as these with other people and help them through her love of music, she decided to pursue a degree in music therapy here at The Woods. So far, Joy has described her experiences as “a rollercoaster of emotions.”
“I’ve loved the people and the nice spirit this place has. My favorite part of being a Woodsie is that I have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I love the food at the new dining hall, too! The snickerdoodle cookies are the BEST! I’m looking forward to getting to know this place better and its people. I was surprised by how familiar and friendly this place [feels to me]. It definitely feels like my second home.”
Some of Joy’s other interests include painting, songwriting, listening to music, dancing, hiking and playing with dogs. She also has a love for karaoke and enjoys snickerdoodle cookies with vanilla ice cream. If she could choose to do anything for a day, she would find a place with a nice view to paint.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Talking to my family.
Please describe your musical background.
[I’ve been] singing since I was little. I loved seeing my parents dance every Saturday to loud salsa music. I took music lessons [piano, percussion and voice] for seven years. I was part of a drumline and I played the cymbals for a year. I loved singing to my great-grandmother when we went to visit her. And overall, music is my home. Even though I’m thousands of miles away from home, by playing and dancing to my favorite songs, [it] makes me feel closer to home.
What is the first piece you learned, and what was your first performance experience like?
“Tu lo Sai.” An Italian song. The first piece I had ever learned and performed. I remember being nervous, but as soon as I started singing and heard how different my voice sounded singing classical, I fell in love with that feeling of happiness and power.
If someone was considering studying music here at The Woods, what would you tell them?
I would say that Saint Mary-of-the-Woods will always have your back. The faculty is invested in the students and wants them to succeed. Also, most of the students here will talk to you and make sure you feel good in this new environment. My professors are amazing, funny, and very helpful. [The Woods] is a great place to grow and meet amazing people.
How was your first Homecoming experience?
I loved Homecoming and my Hoco group! I had never participated in something like [that], and I am so glad I did. It was a much needed experience before all of the stress of midterms.
Hannah Everage
Music therapy student, Hannah Everage, is in her second year of attendance at SMWC. After changing her major to music therapy, Hannah has really been enjoying her experience in the Music & Theatre Department.
“I think the professors are really willing to help you. They’re willing to sit and be with you if you need anything. I also like the environment here. I enjoy sitting outside in the calm and quiet. I’m looking forward to all of the traditions here and hopefully, eventually, becoming a Madrigal.”
Hannah was drawn to SMWC when she found out about the music therapy program. Based upon her personal experience with anxiety, she knew that she wanted to help others, but she didn’t want to be a counselor. Initially, Hannah started out as a nursing major, but she soon realized that she wanted to be more directly involved in the therapeutic process. Combined with her passion for music, music therapy seemed to be the right fit. Hannah was also drawn to The Woods because of the environment and small class sizes. Here, she expressed that being a Woodsie means that you’re not just a number. She recommends coming to SMWC because it’s an opportunity to be in a small school with many wonderful traditions, plus there are alpacas! “It’s just very different compared to other schools,” Hannah explained. Some of the things that she has learned so far are being more intuitive, establishing independence and developing more effective time management skills. Hannah started playing the saxophone in fifth grade as a part of her middle school band program and her band teachers have had a lasting impact on her life. She has also played piano for a year and this is her first experience singing in a choir.
“I didn’t have a choir at my high school. It’s interesting to be in a group of people and hearing everyone singing around me. I especially enjoy listening to their harmonies compared to mine since I sing the first soprano part. I’m looking forward to performing, too!”
What is the first piece you learned? What was your first performance experience like?
The first piece that I sang was “All Through the Night.” It’s also the song that I recorded to get into the music therapy program.
How would you describe yourself in 3-5 words?
Introverted, kind, and helpful.
What are some of your hobbies?
I like to do paint-by-numbers, play piano and when I’m bored, I’m usually on TikTok or watching something on Netflix.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would hop on a plane and go to London. I want to visit the theaters, museums and see the Downton Abbey and Harry Potter sites.
How was your first in-person Homecoming experience?
I feel this Homecoming was one to remember. The feeling of being connected again and free to sing in front of an audience was very exciting, especially for my first Homecoming concert! I look forward to the next Homecoming concert that we have!
Rachel Foy
Piano primary, Rachel Foy, is also joining the music therapy program this year, participating in Chorale and the Music Therapy Student Association. Growing up singing, Rachel began playing the piano after a friend encouraged her to watch the Anime series Your Lie in April. While watching the series, she experienced a new love and appreciation for music. Although Rachel doesn’t remember when she first heard of music therapy, she watched a video of a music therapy session and fell in love with it. “The session involved a music therapist helping a child on the [Autism] Spectrum communicate and as a person who is also on the Spectrum, it was very touching.”
Here at The Woods, she pointed out that she gained more knowledge about the structure of music and how it is written, as she is currently taking Aural Skills I and Music Theory I. So far, her experience as a Woodsie has been “amazing.”
“My favorite part of being a Woodsie is experiencing the atmosphere of the campus. I am looking forward to the events and traditions that will happen on campus throughout the year.”
Compared to other schools, Rachel pointed out that SMWC was the first college in the United States to have a music therapy equivalency distance program. “This school takes music therapy very seriously, and that is what mainly drew me to this college.”
In her free time, Rachel enjoys crocheting, listening to music, painting and practicing her instrument. She enjoys listening to any music genre, even metal and deathcore, she recommends Christian deathcore band Impending Doom. Other artists that Rachel enjoys are Tillian and Jonny Craig. Additionally, she enjoys playing piano pieces by Chopin and Mozart, as well as singing songs that she has written. One of her fondest musical memories is performing a song she wrote in front of everyone in her introductory music therapy course. When asked about her first musical performance, Rachel said, “I learned ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ on the piano and my first performance was hectic. I mess[ed] up and lost where I was at when I was performing the music and it was quiet on stage for a few seconds.”
If you could learn how to play any instrument, what would it be and why?
If I had the opportunity to learn a new instrument it would be violin because I just think it’s a pretty instrument with a lovely sound.
How would you describe yourself in 3-5 words?
I would describe myself as talented, artistic, timid, easygoing and kind.
Who is someone that you look up to, and why?
I look up to my dad because he always helps me with music and is a hard worker.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
For some reason, I would want to have a superpower where I would fly all over the place for a day.
What is fun fact that you’d like to share about yourself?
I can make my eyebrows dance!
How was your first Homecoming experience?
It was a great experience! Even though it was a little rainy, we still pulled through which shows how much energy we had to perform.
The Department of Music & Theatre is very excited to welcome these and other students to the MAMT and MTED programs. We look forward to seeing the journey that these new students will embark upon throughout their time here and beyond.
This story was featured in SMWC’s Music Therapy blog. View the original post here.