Abby Meisler



Projects by Abby Meisler

Journalism Story

Female Artists Fundraise for Girls Rock Bloomington

By Abby Meisler, Eli Alvis, and Nathan Cohen

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (March 29, 2025) —

On a rainy spring day, members of the band Annie Babie paced back and forth in anticipation of their outdoor performance being canceled. Luckily, the performance was merely delayed, allowing Annie Babie to still deliver a remarkable show. With the strong chords of three electric guitars and a drum beat, their sound is distinct and uplifting, drawing in a crowd. Other young artists accompanied this performance as part of a fundraiser for Girls Rock Bloomington, which is part of the broader Girls Rock movement, featuring similar organizations in various cities. Girls Rock Bloomington teaches positive self-esteem through music education to young girls in the community. They host unique workshops, after-school programs, and open mic nights throughout the year, along with an annual summer camp. The fundraiser took place at Dunn Meadow this past Saturday afternoon, showcasing six concerts from local individual performers and bands to raise money for the organization.

Drummer Sarah Scherrer grooves with the rest of her band Annie Baby. She is excited for the opportunity to perform with her bandmates and friends at the show despite the weather.

A strong community of artists and music lovers came together this week in Bloomington, creating an intoxicating energy during these performances. Drummer Sarah Scherrer of Annie Babie enjoys the live performances and the community that forms through them. “Being in Annie Babie means playing shows for other people and making music so they can come and listen,” Scherrer said. This band has also allowed the members to express their passion for music while having fun with friends and creating new tunes. For bassist Carson Hoberty, the band has opened the door to new musical experiences. “It’s a new outlet to express myself and be with people I enjoy playing with, and it’s a different genre of music that I normally don’t get to play,” Hoberty said. For lead singer and guitarist Skylar Robinson, the band has pushed him to focus on writing lyrics and discovering new creative processes. “I write down in my notes app little turns of phrase I get throughout the day…I’ll just have a musical idea, but I need lyrics, so I try to tie everything together,” Robinson said.

Lead guitarist Skyler Robinson soloed on his Phred electric guitar at the Girls Rock fundraiser. He is excited to play and solo on the music he wrote for an engaged and energized audience.

Throughout the performances, a crowd began to gather on the grassy field of Dunn Meadow. As the sun peeked through the clouds, the concert came to life, supported by the growing audience. This energetic atmosphere, however, wouldn’t have been the same without friends and fans. Truman Harper has been a fan of Annie Babie and especially enjoyed this performance for its deeper purpose. “I love this band. I love their sound,” Harper said. “I have five sisters, so my whole life women’s rights have been important to me.” Harper has been involved in the local music community since moving to Bloomington.

Mia Fisher, a local artist who performed on Saturday, feels a deep connection to the power that music holds. Her relationship with music is something that motivates her to devote her time and energy to her passion. “I build deep connections with songs and artists…the idea that I would be able to do that for someone else is something that pushes me to keep writing and putting music out,” Fisher said. Music has deeply impacted her life, and she is dedicated to giving back. “I want to be able to give people what music has given me.”

A crowd blissfully enjoying the Annie Baby band on Dunn Meadow during the girl’s rock performance. Many students show up to support the organization and friends.

This performance meant a lot to Fisher as a female artist in the community, making it a special experience for her to be able to contribute to Girls Rock. She believes it’s essential for young women to have accessible opportunities to pursue their passions. “It is still important to create specific spaces for women in music, so I’m honored to be able to help out,” Fisher said. “It’s just a great organization. It encourages young women to pursue music and to explore their creativity and expression.”

Girls Rock Bloomington has built a strong community with the support of Fisher, Annie Babie, and other local artists and followers. Their mission to empower and support the young women of Bloomington will continue to impact this growing and evolving community. Organizations like this that support and promote bands and artists in Bloomington such as Annie Baby and Mia Fisher allow artists to get their foot in the door of the music scene in Bloomington. Girls Rock is building a community and bringing together artists.

Public Relations Story

Apple Announces a Major Technological Breakthrough

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts
Abby Meisler
Lily Castaneda

CUPERTINO, California (Sept. 9, 2014) — Apple CEO, Tim Cook, unveiled their newest product, the Apple Watch— a revolutionary device with a beautiful design, completely customizable and tailored to fit each individual’s wants and needs. The Apple Watch, a smartwatch, was engineered for the most efficient maneuvering, with every feature accessible with the tap of a finger or the flick of your wrist. It is a wearable, and powerful tool that changes the way we interact with the world for the better. With its cutting edge features, Apple has created a watch that isn’t just a watch, but a powerful addition to our everyday experiences with technology.

“We set out to make the best watch in the world, one that is precise,” said Cook. “It’s incredibly customizable, so you can find one that reflects your personal style and taste. Because you wear it, we invented new intimate ways to connect and communicate directly from your wrist.”

The Apple watch was designed to redefine the world’s perception of wearable technology. The design of this product, both internally, as well as externally, was created specifically for user convenience. With the most simple of movements, the individual sporting their new Apple Watch has access to an incredible range of action. Combining the traditional, classic aspects of a typical watch, as well as almost all fitness tracker features, and those of the average smartphone, the Apple Watch truly does it all. This watch features a digital crown, a touch screen, a heart rate monitor, and a fitness tracker, not to mention access to the internet, and the ability to call and message.

With the Apple Watch’s first launch, Apple offers several sizes, styles, and finishes. It is available in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, as well as in three collections— Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. The Apple Watch, the basic collection, is made with stainless steel, and is just as durable as it is appealing to the eye. The Apple Watch Sport is tailored to individuals with a more active lifestyle, featuring lightweight aluminum, and access to more durable band styles. From running to rock climbing, this collection was made for action. Finally, the Apple Watch Edition is the most luxurious of the three, featuring the elegant 14k gold finish. Being so customizable, Apple ensures that there is a watch for everyone. Like the watch itself, Apple also offers several styles of bands, including athletic bands, leather bands, and stainless steel bands with a wide variety of finishes. Your opportunity for self expression doesn’t stop here, as there are several opportunities to personalize internal features as well, such as your watch face’s theme, color scheme, and font.

Several Apple Watch designs that appeared in release video
A wide variety of Apple Watches cascade across the screen during the release video. Apple presents their development of a watch design for every lifestyle.

This groundbreaking technology is not only for aesthetics though, as it allows for a new, more convenient form of communication, acting as the perfect partner of the iPhone, but not just an extension of it. With its newly developed software, through the Apple Watch, the user can stay connected in several ways, including call, text, and interaction with Siri, Apple’s AI assistant. By using only your voice, or a simple gesture, users can reply to messages, check the weather, or set an alarm. Real-time notifications are also easily accessible, as well as several other apps.

Apple’s vision for their Apple Watch was to create a personal, convenient, and functional device for their users, and they did just that. To own an Apple Watch is to be healthy, connected, and entertained. With this device’s wide array of features, I have confidence that it will, and has, paved the way for many more wearable technology developments. The Apple Watch is revolutionary, reliable and truly a lifestyle.

Cook presents the brand new Apple Watch. This keynote speech took place in Cupertino, on September 9th, 2014.

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