Benjamin Cowles



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Journalism Story

From Tragedy to Triumph: Musician Conquers the Stage

By Devon Proscia, Benjamin Cowles and Sam Bowlby

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)

Music had always been part of Claire Carpenter’s life, but it wasn’t until after her accident that she realized just how much it meant to her. A traumatic ATV crash caused severe fractures, nerve damage, and chronic pain, making physical activities difficult. Running, jumping, even standing for extended periods—things she once took for granted—became daily struggles. But rather than let the injury define her, Carpenter turned to something that had always brought her joy—performing.

Claire Carpenter preforms with her band, OPAL, at the Bluebird on March 5, 2025. Carpenter’s energy infects the crowd, despite her lingering leg injury.

“I love music, and I love performing,” Carpenter said.  “It’s my favorite thing to do. I’m happiest when I’m performing. Singing is a great way to work through my traumas and emotions.”

She wasn’t ready to give up on being on stage, even if it meant adapting. At Indiana University, she connected with guitarist Ahnay Hering through mutual friends who shared their love for music. What started as casual jam sessions quickly evolved into something more. With the addition of a bassist and drummer, OPAL was born. The group found its sound through late-night rehearsals in cramped practice spaces, experimenting with melodies and lyrics that reflected their personal struggles and triumphs. Before long, they were booking gigs at house shows and local venues, earning a loyal following and a reputation for delivering raw, emotionally charged performances.

Claire Carpenter, Ahnay Hering, and Fran Stemme all lean into their microphone at a women’s march event in the IU Fine Arts Plaza, March 9, 2025. Carpenter acts as the lead vocalist, preforming despite a debilitating leg injury.

The band’s music blends indie rock with alt-pop influences, featuring soaring vocals, moody guitar riffs, and deeply personal lyrics. Their songs explore themes of resilience, transformation, and the weight of past experiences, resonating with audiences who see their own struggles reflected in the music. Carpenter’s voice, raw and emotionally charged, serves as the heart of the band, pulling listeners in with every note. Her ability to channel pain into something beautiful has become one of OPAL’s defining characteristics, creating a connection with fans that extends far beyond the stage.

Hering has watched Carpenter’s journey up close. “Seeing her adapt to that and work her way around it or sometimes just fight through it is really inspirational,” said Hering

Despite her love for the stage, performing isn’t easy. Carpenter’s injury means that standing for long periods is grueling, and even short sets require careful planning. She often leans against amplifiers between songs, subtly shifting her weight to relieve pressure. Sometimes, she has to sit for acoustic numbers, a decision that frustrates her but keeps her going. Even walking onto the stage can be an exhausting effort, but the moment the first chords ring out, the discomfort fades into the background.

Carpenter realized that music gave her the same rush as her former passion, cross-country running. The discipline, the adrenaline, and pushing herself beyond her limits—it was all still there. When she steps on stage, the pain fades into the background, and her love for the art takes center stage.

“When I’m performing, I don’t necessarily notice the pain,” said Carpenter.

During OPAL’s performance at The Bluebird, Carpenter knew she was pushing her limits, but stopping wasn’t an option. The music surged around her, and with every lyric, she poured her struggle into the sound, funneling her emotions out toward the crowd. The flashing stage lights, the hum of amplifiers, and the pulse of the bass created an electric atmosphere that made every moment on stage worth it.

The audience moved in sync with the music, drawn in by the band’s infectious energy. Some swayed with closed eyes, letting the lyrics wash over them, while others cheered between songs, hanging onto every word Carpenter sang. Each performance was more than just a set—it was a testament to resilience, to pushing through pain for the love of something greater. Every note was a declaration that she wasn’t backing down, and every song was proof that she could still take up space on stage, on her own terms.

As OPAL’s reputation grows, so do their ambitions. The band has been writing original songs, experimenting with their sound, and dreaming about their next steps. With growing recognition in the local scene, they hope to record their first EP and tour beyond Indiana. For Carpenter, the goal is simple: keep performing, no matter what. There’s always going to be pain, but that doesn’t mean you stop. You just have to learn a new way to move.

Her journey is one of transformation—of redefining what it means to be a performer and a fighter. And as long as there’s a stage, Claire Carpenter will find a way to conquer it.

https://youtu.be/QBbOGN7dZBQ?si=AKipw9nP4eGsE5qn

Uncategorized

Apple CEO Tim Cook Shows off new Apple Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts

Ben Cowles: Photographer
Anna Bryson: Editor
Alex Lemon: Writer

CUPERTINO, California. (Sept. 9th, 2014) –

Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the companies new Apple Watch which utilizes a brand new user interface to infuse it’s iPhone technology with a wrist watch on Tuesday.

The introductory video for the Apple Watch was met with a standing ovation by the audience at Apple’s WorldWide Developer Conference held at Apple Park, the companies HeadQuarters. In this video, Apple highlighted many features that grant users the ability to make each Apple Watch unique. Features include customizable layouts, a simple to use interface and interchangeable wristbands. 

The Apple Watch, set for release in early 2015, will come in three different editions; Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition. With the release of their new product, Apple has continued its line of groundbreaking technology.

“It’s so simple and elegant, it’s something only Apple could do,” Cook said. 

Cook and Vice President Kevin Lynch showed off the three main purposes of the Apple Watch. First, it functions as a fast and reliable time keeper with a clock that “is accurate within plus or minus 50 milliseconds,” Cook said. Second, the Apple Watch’s communication system has created a new and fun way to get in touch with friends. With the simple motion of your wrist, the user is able to view notifications and even respond to messages. Using the Quick Board feature, messages can easily be responded to with analyzed responses or silly emojis. Finally, Cook mentions its ability to work as a fitness band for all types of individuals. It is able to accomplish this through the two separate apps that come installed on the watch, the fitness and workout apps. With the Apple Watch, the potential for fitness growth is limitless.

Bloison Lawee glances at his new Apple Watch, adjusting the settings. Lawee uses his watch to track his assignments for school, keep up with friends and log his medications

“Apple builds great products that enrich people’s lives,” Cook said, “and arguably, we can take that to a whole new level with Apple Watch.”

Developers at Apple understood that a change would need to be made for the interface to be optimized for this new device. Instead of using your finger to scroll, Apple implemented a sleek dial on the side which they are calling the digital crown. This digital crown allows users to zoom in and out as well as navigate the user interface without blocking the user’s view of the screen. This proactive step of incorporating a more useful function to an everyday device like the dial on a watch, Apple proves they have spent deep thought on both form and function.

“It can be worn all day, for any occasion,” Cook said.

Jeremy Cowles uses a lathe to whittle down a piece of wood for a table project. Cowles uses his apple watch to play podcasts about wood working, keep in touch with family, and respond to calls while he is wood working.

Each user can make their Apple Watch unique, not just with the interface but with its six boldly unique types of straps. All of these straps, which come in many vibrant colors, can be easily interchanged with one another with a simple interlocking system. These bands can be used for function, with the user’s choice of a chemical resistant band or a leather buckle and stainless steel straps.

“Apple Watch is the most personal device Apple has ever created,” Cook said.

The Apple watch will start at $349 upon its release. The Apple Watch will work with your iPhone, allowing the Apple Watch to pull up messages and allow responses. Due to this, the iPhone is necessary for use of the Apple Watch. 

The Apple Watch comes with its magnetic charging cable which easily attaches to the back of the watch for charging. With its 18 hour battery life, the Apple Watch can last users all day and charge rapidly overnight.  The Apple Watch comes in a 38 or 42 millimeter screen and comes in two separate finishes, stainless steel or space black. 


Apple CEO Tim Cook exhibits the company’s new product, the Apple Watch in Cupertino, California. He described the features that differentiate the watch from other products on Tuesday.

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