Devon Proscia



Projects by Devon Proscia

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

Apple Announces the Launch of New Apple Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts
Kevin Barrett
Devon Proscia
Ella Chastain

CUPERETINO, California (Sept, 9, 2014) — Today, Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the highly anticipated Apple Watch, marking the company’s entry into wearable technology. At a special event at the Flint Center in Cupertino, Cook introduced Apple Watch as a breakthrough in personal technology. Starting at $349, the device offers users the ability to stay connected, track fitness, and personalize their device, all from their wrist.

“The Apple Watch is the most personal device we’ve ever created. It’s a precise timepiece, an innovative health and fitness companion, and a whole new way to communicate,” said Cook. Available in two sizes — 38mm and 42mm — and three collections, the Apple Watch blends high-tech functionality with a sleek, customizable design.

The Apple Watch offers a range of features that set it apart in the wearable tech space. Powered by the S1 chip, Apple Watch integrates key functionalities into a single compact system, allowing for precision, power, and speed in every use. The Digital Crown offers a new way to navigate: zooming, scrolling, and selecting without blocking the display.

The watch features a Retina display shielded by sapphire crystal, making it durable enough for daily use. Users can choose from a wide array of bands to match their style, from the Sport Band to the premium leather and metal options in the Apple Watch Edition collection.

A man checking his Apple Watch to view his Activity rings, showing steps, exercise time, and hours spent standing
Jim checks his Activity rings to monitor his daily movement. The Apple Watch displays his steps, exercise time, and hours spent standing.

Apple Watch sets a new standard in fitness tracking with the Activity app, which tracks three key metrics: Move, Exercise, and Stand. Users can monitor daily activity, track workouts, and receive reminders to stand up and move during the day. The watch’s built-in heart rate sensor and accelerometer work alongside the iPhone’s GPS to offer precise tracking of workouts and overall health.

Jay Blahnik, Apple’s director of fitness and health technologies, emphasized the importance of the Activity app. “Apple Watch helps you track your progress, set goals, and stay motivated with personalized reminders. It’s like having a personal trainer on your wrist.”

The Apple Watch extends the capabilities of the iPhone, allowing users to receive calls, messages, and notifications directly on their wrist. With features like Glances and WatchKit, users can interact with their favorite apps, control music, and receive real-time notifications without needing to pull out their phones. The Digital Crown and Force Touch allow for intuitive interaction with the device, while the haptic feedback system adds a new dimension to notifications.

Apple’s Vice President Kevin Lynch demonstrated the watch’s ability to guide users with turn-by-turn directions using subtle vibrations, making it easy to navigate without looking at the screen.

A young man checks his Apple Watch home screen, displaying the temperature, date, time, compass, and activity ring."
Riley checks his Apple Watch for the temperature, date, time, compass, and his activity ring. The home screen provides him with all the information he needs at a glance.

Apple Watch offers unparalleled personalization options. With two different sizes, three collections (Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition), and various watch faces and bands, users can tailor the device to match their style. The device’s precision and attention to detail extend beyond its appearance. From customizable watch faces to complications that display calendar events, weather updates, and more, Apple Watch is designed to be as unique as its user.

Starting at $349, Apple Watch will be available in early 2015. Each watch comes with a magnetic charging cable, USB power adapter, and a sports band. The device is compatible with iPhone 5 and later, giving millions of users the chance to experience Apple’s latest innovation. The Apple Watch collections offer choices for every style, from the durable aluminum Apple Watch Sport to the luxury gold Apple Watch Edition.

Tim Cook introduces the Apple Watch at its launch event, showcasing its innovative design and features. This groundbreaking device promises to redefine how we stay connected and enhance our daily lives.

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