By Alex Lemon, Kevin Barrett and Wilson Godfrey

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025)

Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University-Bloomington is one of the most prestigious music schools in the country, reserved for only the best high school musicians from around the world. The audition process is grueling, the workload is intense and burnout rates are high. However, Sophomore saxophone student Dae Taylor looks to be the exception as he is no stranger to the bright lights and center stage. From his start in middle school, through the enduring times of Covid-19 and now debuting concerto’s in college with his quartet, Dae has always been ready to put on a show.

Dae has been exposed to saxophone his whole life, and chose the instrument because of his father, who he listened to practice saxophone growing up. As he started practicing and performing, Dae quickly realized that he not only loved to perform, but progress as a musician. This drive led him to Saxophone teacher Dana Booher, who has become his mentor. 

“I’d get to see him perform sometimes and it was always… super inspiring, you know? I want to play like him one day and see how far I can go.”

It was with his teacher that he found out what it meant to truly perform and influenced his drive to become an artist himself. However, Dae’s dream came to a screeching halt during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 “I went almost two years without performing live music,” Dae said. But instead of giving up, he looked towards the future, working towards that first performance back. Following this unexpected delay, Dae picked up exactly where he left off, loving saxophone the same, if not more. 

“It was just… A joy. A feeling like no other is really what I thought, especially in the moment,” Dae said. “It was a mundane performance in many ways, but in that way it’s really stuck with me. It made me realize again how passionate I am about performing and playing with other musicians.”

Following these performances, Dae made the decision to pursue saxophone performance at the highest level. He made it his goal to study under his teachers mentor, Dr. Otis Murphy at IU

To become the best version of an artist he could be, Dae knew that he would have to continue to develop all new styles which is what he has set out to do by branching out into many different types of performing, from solo work to quartets and also large chamber ensembles. For Dae, each one of these different types of performing allows him to reach into a different emotion and create something new each and every time. This has allowed him to avoid burnout and create a sense of joy in every opportunity, especially with his quartet, Hyperion.

“When I play with my quartet, I feel like it’s a conversation. You’re talking with these other musicians, you’re communicating and you’re really trying to create one cohesive texture and it’s always a great time… it’s very special.”

This feeling isn’t only a bright spot for Dae, but also other members of his quartet

“It’s nice to bring [a quartet] back to the studio and to have a quartet with some guys that were really good friends,” Hyperion quartet member Wyland Diehl said. “The vibe during the rehearsals their really good. We have some laughs, sometimes we get off topic but we’re able to lock in and get all our stuff done so it’s really nice.” 

Through the Hyperion quartet as well as Dae’s own artistic ability has made him a go-to undergraduate saxophonist for fellow undergraduate composers looking to debut new music, which has led to many opportunities for both Dae individually and the Hyperion quartet. These experiences at once in a lifetime performances help shape not only how he plays his saxophone, but how he looks at the notes on the page. 

“If I can get into the zone… really start feeling the music, I’m leaning into the phrases, [and] trying to make it more than just notes,” Dae said. 

Dae, however, is not only the performer, but is also active in the writing process. Dae has found a sense of excitement from getting to work with these composers and beamed at the idea of being apart of the editing process alongside each composer.

“That’s what I think is really fun about playing new music and working with living composers is that you can really get into the music with the person who wrote it,” Dae said.

From following in his mentors footsteps to now majoring in music performance, Dae has carved out a path and sound at IU that is truly his own.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

By Gracie Helfrich, Makenna King and Sayje Jaffe 

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025).

Indiana University constantly sees thousands of students make their way through undergrad tracks. Students enroll, take classes, switch majors, find internships, and graduate (sooner or later). Indiana University sees this pattern time and time again. It is more than common. 

Contrary to this pattern, something less than common can be found within Freshman Matt Trzaskus; that something is passion. “My passion for performance started when I was really young. I really liked Star Wars and I wanted to be a Jedi. And I figured out very quickly that Jedi aren’t real, but actors are.” Trzaskus said.

This passion for performance is also seen in Freshman Jaxon Brown. Brown is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree of fine arts, focusing in cinematic arts at Indiana University. Yet, Brown’s passion for performance has faced obstacles. 

“I definitely prefer performing, but I don’t really give many chances to. So, I’m like behind the scenes.” Brown said. He hopes to have more opportunities in the future.

This interest in performance is something Brown also discovered at a young age, similar to Trzaskus. “I think 13 [years old] was the first time that I watched a film where I was like, I want to do that.” Brown said. The film discussed here was Back to the Future. 

Yet, Trzaskus discovered his love for theater at an even younger age. He recalls third grade to be the year where his interest began, encouraging him to join school-lead theatre groups. He states, “I started really doing it [theater] in middle school and I’m still doing it [theater], which is kind of surprising to me, but it’s just as exciting.” 

Trzaskus is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree of arts focusing in theater drama and english at Indiana University. He is a member of Boy in the Bubble Comedy Group, who most recently produced the show Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind; additionally, Trzaskus is currently performing in a production of Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegrut. 

As he pursues a double major while simultaneously devoting himself to multiple productions at once, time management has become an ongoing struggle. “It is a constant uphill battle with time,” said Trzaskus. 

“I’ll really admit I undertake a lot of things because like my mom told me that if you always say yes, you won’t ever miss an opportunity,” explained Trzaskus, “However, I’ve learned very quickly that eventually you do have to start saying no.” 

This endeavor with time management is a hardship that not only Trzaskus has faced in his pursuit of theater education, but it is also something Brown experiences, where, “I think there are little moments when I release something [film] and I’m like, ‘oh, this is great.’ But then it’s like, for me, it’s immediately on to the next. So, I don’t really sit in it that often. So I guess it’s like the little moments of doing so,” said Brown. 

This struggle is something that Trzaskus has met with motivation found in theater itself. “It’s [theater] a huge time commitment. You’re like at the end of your you’re like, I’m done. Like I maybe never want to do a show again. And then everyone walks out to you and tells you what the show meant to them or what this work you’ve created; I write as well, what it meant to them and if it made them feel something, whether that was ‘Oh my gosh, that was so funny’ or ‘Oh my gosh, you made me cry’ or ‘That was shocking’”, said Trzaskus, “Like the rawness of human reaction is something that only arts can, like, pull out in the way that they do. And each time you get that experience, whether it’s someone laughing at your joke or crying at your line delivery, it’s like for me, it’s like addicting.” 

Brown finds his motivation through career aspirations. “I want to make it [performance] a career.” Brown said.

In conjunction with finding motivation through career aspirations, Brown also finds motivation within those who inspire him. Brown is inspired by musician, artist and comedian, Donald Glover. 

“He [Donald Glover] does whatever he wants, really. And I want to be able to do that creatively and still make money, you know.” Brown said.

Both Trzaskus and Brown are students who stand out within the pattern of students who enroll, take classes, switch majors, find internships, and graduate (sooner or later). They stand out because of their passion for performance, and their constant diligence.

Matt Trzaskus guides viewers through his  theater journey to showcase the dedication it takes for success. He acts in the play, “Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind”, and hopes to share his talent with the world. 

By: Mary Majeski, Brendan Brown and Jack Reilly

BLOOMINGTON, IN (April. 3, 2025)- There is more to the Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse team than just winning games or scoring goals on the field. It’s all about the community that these close-knit athletes have created, and the amount of support on and off the field they show each other. The group thrives on a supportive environment where players support one another and celebrate every accomplishment. No matter how small, from team workouts to tournament road trips and making memories they are there for each other. The IU Women’s Club Lacrosse team has created an atmosphere that goes far beyond the game itself through respect, hard work, and a shared passion for lacrosse, which shows how being a part of a team is more than just winning. 

“The lacrosse team has just been an unbelievably welcoming place” says sophomore player Ella Duvdevani. “Since the moment I joined the team, every single girl whether they were trying out or were already on the team wanted to talk to you, wanted to get to know you, and everyone was genuinely interested in your story and about your life.”

For many players the Indiana Women’s Club lacrosse team has been  a second family, an escape from everyday challenges and a high school sport that continues to be loved years later. continuum of the sport they loved playing in high school. No matter what level skills one has, the team welcomes them with open arms. Sophomore player Leena Campagna stated, “I remember being a scared little freshman walking to tryouts from my dorm, and I remember seeing the field and being so intimidated because I saw older girls. Looking back on it now, it was extremely hilarious that I was even scared in the first place because those seniors are nothing short of amazing girls that are always welcoming and caring ever since the first time I stepped foot on the field.”

The culture of the team is based on that sense of togetherness. The upperclassmen take pride in bringing  new players under their wing in order to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of skill level, has a role on the team .

The Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse Team harps on  the importance of having fun while still maintaining a competitive edge. Energy-filled practices and tournament road trips turn into great  memories for players on and off the field. Through the relationships created on the team players are finding themselves growing as people. Ella Duvdevani stated “I love all the friendships I have made and just learned a lot more about myself and learned how to manage my time when being on a team because you really need to be there for them, and they also rely on you to show you and show out.” 

“I also learned a lot of resilience and it has taught me a lot about myself personally. Growing up and having them through college as an escape from real life. I can go, play, have fun and have a great time and leave worries behind.”

The team provides many players with an opportunity to escape everyday stress and obligations.  Around their teammates they are able to decompress and concentrate on what they love. Players gain life skills like time management, teamwork, and perseverance in addition to their on-field abilities through the gift of  enjoyment and commitment that this game offers. 

Beyond the game, the team’s bonds provide a solid support network that supports  athletes in overcoming college obstacles.

Leena Campagna touches upon these obstacles more in her interview. She stated “We do not get the best time slot, and this past winter I was practicing until eleven thirty at night and wouldn’t get home until midnight.” The duality of being an athlete in college is truly shown through these girls as their athletics have them balancing their coursework, social wellbeing and personal well being. The team manages to work together despite their hectic schedules, supporting one another on and off the field.

The Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse team is committed to creating a friendly atmosphere where players may succeed on and off the field as it grows in the next few years. The team demonstrates that lacrosse is more than just a game—it’s a family—through work, perseverance, and camaraderie. Teammates, Ella Duvdevani and Leena Campagna, embody what it means to be more than just athletes, as are the other members of the IU Women’s Club Lacrosse team. They are friends, leaders, and students who help each other through every setback and victory. Their commitment to the game and to one another has created a culture that goes well beyond the lacrosse field. The team’s foundation of inclusivity, resiliency, and unwavering  support is growing along with it, which is evidence of the strength of collaboration and the relationships that result from it.

By Ella Blake, Noah Ablove and Lilianna Castaneda

BLOOMINGTON, IND. (Apr. 3, 2025)— With every leap, IU dancers exude passion that lives on well beyond the stage.

At Indiana University, collegiate dancers are more than their skill set and talent. They are their passion, energy, connection and raw emotion.

Dance is beautiful, but not just an art form. For performers, like Belle Matson, and fellow dancer and choreographer Keilyan Bryant, dance is their identity. Their art is their passion, their means of expression, and their happy place. Through their unique experiences, we’ve opened a door to the world of dance, and have come to know just how much dance has shaped them into the performers, students, and people they are today. Each performer has a different story, and a different journey. Speaking with both Belle and Keilyan has shown us that although each path is different, the reward is always great.

“Take the opportunity, do the opportunity,” said Matson, “because the reward is so high.”

When speaking to Belle, it was surprising to find out that she claimed not to be the best dancer throughout her formative years, and although she was never front and center, she was more than eager to learn. Beginning as a competitive dancer, her transition to her current collegiate style was challenging. Because of her passion for her art, she studied any available material, went to every class possible, and rehearsed religiously to achieve the level of skill she currently possesses. She spoke on the importance of saying yes, and taking every chance that comes your way. Matson is a prime example for those aspiring to dance, or take on any kind of challenge,  emphasizing that hard work propels you farther than natural talent ever could. Seizing the moment is what led to her great success.

Moments later, briefly sitting down with Bryant, he revealed why dance is important to him, and what it truly means to go out and perform. He best described his career as big effort, and a big smile to match.

“To me, it’s always like a big smile, and putting your best foot forward,” Bryant revealed.

Being a choreographer, as well as a stage performer requires the ability to see his craft from multiple perspectives, which is not an easy feat. He claimed his motivation to create routines,  is actually what he hears when the performances are done. He makes his fellow dancers feel alive. His reward is the impact he makes on his peers, and having knowledge of his craft, as well as experience, it means the world to him when his pieces create a sense of growth and freedom for his dancers.

These two remarkable individuals make up just one part of the IU dance community, and hearing from Belle once again, it seems community is an understatement. Matson, to wrap, really honed in on her fellow dancers always having each other’s back. The IU dance community is a family.

With each performance, and with every dance, Matson, Bryant, and dancers everywhere will continue to discover, nourish, and express parts of themselves that itch to be unleashed. Collegiate dance is a stepping stone to a successful and fulfilling future for these creative minds. Dance is not only an art, but a lifestyle.

By Elise Sensabaugh, John Doyle and Laila Baluk

BLOOMINGTON, IN (April 3, 2025)

In the basement of a Bloomington home, surrounded by cords, amps and holiday lights, four IU students found something rare: a collective harmony of creative expression. 

It is not just musical harmony, but one formed when four like-minded students came together at the perfect moment. After meeting in a jazz ensemble and house party, New Semantics was born into what they described as a “DIY Indie Band,” formed from a real connection and the need to create an exciting outlet for its members and fans. New Semantics is a refreshing return to authenticity in a musical generation that feels artificial and overproduced. Their sound is pieced together with spontaneous beats and organic flow, fueled by their wish to be unique, unlike other bands. Their music moves and breathes as they try to create music that means something. “I knew a few good guys who wanted to get together,” says Rocco Fugate, the band’s frontman and guitarist. “All the songs come to life here when we all get together, that’s the magic.” 

This band creation came from making something out of nothing, overcoming challenges, and using each person’s skill set to become one. Their first show, held in a makeshift venue in their own rehearsal space and band member’s home, drew a much larger crowd than expected. They had an excellent turnout, and the crowd had a great time overall. Jack Buinicki, a New Semantics base player, said he felt “it went splendid” while smiling ear to ear. Buinicki met Fugate in an all-campus jazz combo at Indiana University and then decided to play alongside him during winter break.  Despite being full-time IU students with hectic schedules, they continue to find time to make the band succeed. Buinicki admits scheduling is challenging, but said “[they] have gotten good at communicating to schedule things, and [they] are pretty on top of those things.” Buinicki’s passion for music started when he was 11 years old while he played viola in his school’s orchestra. He didn’t pick up the base until his senior year of high school and missed the passion of playing with a collective. Now, he and the rest of the New Semantics have found their place, not just in followers or fame but as part of something greater.

New Semantics gets a thrill from creating unique pieces as a team, which makes this band stand out the most as a listener. The band’s name came from a heated conversation about language and meaning between two members. Fugate originally pitched Turpentine Cheese Wheel and Connor’s Secret Girlfriend as their band name. These options served more as inside jokes among the group and didn’t welcome their audience as much as they wanted them to. His friends were on board, but eventually, someone threw out  “Semantics” and it stuck. Because “Semantics” was taken on Spotify, the group decided to throw “New” in front of it, which fields their band’s goal of creating a revived meaning to their style- music, words, and how they connect as a collective. 

Redefining meaning is built into everything this band continues to work towards. Their sound consists of a blend of a Modest Mouse style, a rock band, and classic indie rock. Buinicki admitted that “it’s a little bit of country, too.” They aren’t easily categorized, but that is a part of the point they are making. They’re carving out a space in the music world for something different that doesn’t fit into just one category. 

The collaborative energy they hold is what makes their performances matter. Their debut was only a few weeks ago, and as they continue to build their sound, they will face challenges in navigating and combining everyone’s unique skills and ideas. New Semantics had an unexpectedly exciting first performance and experienced an electric connection between the other two bands, Daytripper and Real Peak. It faded away the struggles of student life and became an essential moment in continuing to build their band. They were able to hold their first gig when they asked around other local bands and found the best place to launch their passion. Fugate has experience playing for another band, and the New Semantic’s lead guitarist Maxwell Woehler offered their practice space and made it happen. 

New Semantics has two more performances on the calendar- April 11th and 25th- as they begin planning their next move for the summer. This band is the kind of brand that is ever-evolving each day. They’re imperfect and unsure but use this to curate the perfect sound and team. New Semantics is redefining it in the world of music that often feels only focused in one direction, making their music worth listening to. They are unknowingly creating a message for artists that it’s freeing to create something imperfect, something entirely new. 

https://youtu.be/Yde34lPBAec?si=ZVoBFMXP7qpyZSH

By Lauren Wainwright, Chloe LaVelle and Taylor Waterman 

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.  (April 3, 2025)

Electric energy surged through The Bishop on the night of March 21, 2025. The DIY noise rock band, Mourning Star, took the stage, striking a chord with the audience. 

But for the audience, it was more than just a concert. 

It was an immersive experience showcasing noise rock’s raw, unfiltered spirit. Founded by Thom Kitchel and Anna Pregger, Mourning Star has become a beacon for those seeking music beyond the polished. They offer a sound that’s as much about connection and inspiration as it is about the music itself. Even being down a drummer for the performance, the members were able to compensate. Nova Hardie moved to the drums while Pregger played bass and sang. Mason Taylor was one of many Bloomington community members at The Bishop that night.  “They had a loud encompassing sound that like I just haven’t heard from anywhere else,” Taylor said.

In just one short year,  Mourning Star has rapidly grown in prominence. “I don’t know if I would call it a rise to fame. It’s been very fast, but it’s also been very satisfying,” Kitchel said. What began as a small hobby has now become something much bigger. The band has been booking three shows a month and is preparing for out-of-state gigs in the coming months.  

While booking shows is critical to their growing success, the true test for any band lies in its dynamic. For Mourning Star, this cohesion is essential. “Our dynamic, I think we work very well. I think that when we perform live, we are really good at it; even if there are little mistakes, we are really good at recovering from those,” Pregger said. Pregger can recall only one instance where the band had to completely reset during a performance—a testament to their strong chemistry and adaptability. But band dynamics don’t happen overnight. “I remember our first ever practice, it was in a garage and we practiced and it was just like ‘oh boy we got a long way to go, ’” Kitchel said.

A band has to start from somewhere, it starts with a passion. For Pregger, the dream of forming a band began years earlier, in high school, when she first encountered the DIY music scene. “Hearing that other people could start it with just nothing, just make like garage band music just like in the car, that was very inspirting to me. Throughout high school, I would just make, like, really not good-sounding things, but I would do just sorta the same thing. And I was like, maybe I can actually do this one day,” Pregger said.  While she dabbled in music creation throughout high school, it wasn’t until she encountered other college bands and started collaborating with Kitchel that she truly believed it was possible to create something of her own. Kitchel, who moved to IU this year, wanted to create a band that created a sound that was conducive to the sound he was envisioning. 

The band goes beyond the music, though, hoping that they can make an impact in the Bloomington scene. Pregger has hope that they have accomplished this goal. “There’s been a couple people that have come up to us after shows who have seen us, and they have been like ‘Wow, you guys make us want to start a band.’ And that’s been sorta crazy to me, and that’s made me want to perform more to inspire people’s goals because like the way that I got inspired was seeing other college students being in bands and being like, oh yeah, I could be able to do that.” Pregger said.

While fame is on the minds of many bands, Pregger has other ideas. “I don’t need to be a big band to be happy. I just want to play with bands that I really like.” Pregger said. The Bloomington scene is shaping up to be a launching pad for the band’s continued success, but the foundation for Mourning Star’s journey lies in their shared passion for creating music that resonates with them. It’s not just about the noise they make on stage, but it’s about the moments of connection that form both within the band and with their growing community of fans. 

Mourning Star caught the attention of their audience on March 21, 2025, at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington, Indiana. Beginning in 2024, the noise rock band reflected on their successes and hopes for the future. 

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.

“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.

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