This quote speaks to the essence of this site. We often think of music and literature as two distinct and separate entities. They have different elements and thus different purposes. But the more I explored the connections between the two, the more I realized that, while the context and social function may differ, music and literature are interconnected and codependent. Our understanding of one shapes and reflects our understanding of the other. 

 

I was an active member of my high school marching band as well as a semi-proficient pianist growing up. But once I graduated high school, I packed my trumpet up and left it securely in its case in the back of my closet four hours away from me. However, the musical knowledge I had gained from my eight years of music programs did not remain locked up. Being educated in the arts is more than playing an instrument or singing. In my high school specifically, there was an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusiveness that made my experience different than most. Unlike every other high school in the area, our marching band did not hold auditions; all you had to do was sign up. This created a situation where students of every skill level could play together every day after classes on the practice field. It was a really formative experience for me as a student. Growing up with an inclusive program such as this taught me that music is something that is meant for everyone, regardless of whether or not you can perform it.

 

With this in mind, I began exploring how my work with the written word as an English major connects to this notion of the fluidity of music. I talked with a composer and worked closely with a classically-trained soprano in order to acquire the information I needed to make this project a success. This space is filled with my exploration and the conclusion that I came to along the way. 

 

 

Each portrait will take you to another page on the site. Like art and the artists who create them, these portraits vary in content, form, and purpose. Simply click on the image to transport yourself to another world.