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lison Watson, Donna Gallagher, Katelyn Ridenour and Kiya Heartwood are four Converse women who are affecting positive change in the world through their talent, passion and love of music. From pursuing careers in opera, music therapy, composition and even law, these women demonstrate the diversity of talent that is flourishing in the Petrie School of Music.
Healing Harmonies
Alison Watson ’03, Bachelor of Music in flute performance and currently pursuing a second degree in music therapy As the membership chair of the Music Therapy Association of South Carolina, will you explain how our society benefits from music therapy?
After completing your flute performance major at Converse in (2003), you entered the music therapy program as a Converse II student. What attracted you to music therapy?
How has your Converse experience impacted you as a performer and as a woman?
“Music therapy can address such a wide variety of goals among multiple populations and treats the whole person, touching aspects that pharmaceutical medicine often cannot reach alone. Since music is pervasive in our world, and most people have a positive relationship with music, music therapy may help individuals live healthier, more fulfilling lives through non-threatening and enjoyable approaches. My hope is to empower individuals to this extent so they may become more involved in society.”
“Music has always played a central role in my life, helping me through sad times and celebration. In teaching flute lessons and preschool music classes, I came to love the moments when music facilitated self-expression and learning. During this time, I also had the opportunity to experience a sound healing session, which further piqued my interest in the use of music in healing. Soon after, I used music for self-expression and distraction when I had a painful back injury. In the midst of that healing process, I met Amy Gower ’08 who shared her experience and knowledge as a music therapy student. As I learned more about how I could use my love of music and helping others, I became determined to become a music therapist.”
“My experience at Converse has increased my knowledge, ability and enjoyment of performance and existence as a woman. While my experiences varied greatly between studying flute performance and music therapy, they taught me the value of diligent practice, patience, passion and listening to others. During my involvement in the production Finding Voice, I had the opportunity to speak, sing and play for battered women whose voices are often not heard. This experience particularly helped me find my own voice and realize the responsibility of continued advocacy for women’s rights. I am currently a member of C.A.R.M.A. (Chicks Advocating Regional Music and Artists) and work with this group to organize and implement benefit concerts. There’s a certain magic in a group of empowered women working together; I first learned this lesson at Converse.”
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Model Musician
Katelyn Ridenour ’10, Bachelor of Music with double major in piano performance and clarinet performance You were home-schooled from elementary through high school. Did you experience any challenges transitioning into a college environment?
“I actually found the transition to college quite easy. I had participated in classes with other home-schoolers throughout my school years, so I was accustomed to a classroom setting. The biggest advantage of being homeschooled, I found, was that I became very disciplined. Thus, when I got to college, I was already used to managing my time and learning independently.”
You served as the Secretary General of the 2010 National Model NATO, what initially drew you to join the debate team?
“I had experience in policy debate during high school, and knew that I wanted to continue debating when I got to college. I have always been very interested in politics and current events, and participating in Converse’s Model Programs not only gave me an outlet for these interests, but also gave me valuable leadership opportunities, such as being Secretary General this year.”
Baylor Law School has awarded you a full scholarship where you will pursue your Juris Doctorate this fall. How will you take what you have learned in your music education and apply it to your career as a lawyer?
“As a double performance major, I had to organize my time very carefully and limit my commitments. There were still many times, however, that I wondered why I had undertaken such a heavy load. During the times when I wanted to quit, I learned to focus on the most immediate tasks and postpone the rest. Although those experiences were not pleasant at the time, they have given me confidence in my abilities to achieve difficult tasks.”
How do you feel music will influence your life in the years to come?
“I know that music will always be a part of my life. I have actually found that since I made the decision to attend law school, my love for music has increased. I will always be looking for the closest symphony concerts to attend, and plan to continue teaching music lessons.”
How has your experience at Converse impacted you as a performer and as a woman?
“Converse provided me with a multitude of opportunities to explore and discover new interests. As a result, my goals are completely different now than when I entered college. My participation in Model Programs was one of the most influential decisions that I made, and was key in my decision to attend law school.”
Chorus Of Change