Writing Samples
I have published creative writing pieces in Cicada Creative Magazine, Mythos Magazine, and Nature Friend. I am also part of the editorial team at Carolina Muse as the monthly newsletter writer (see my inaugural issue in the June 2024 newsletter here). For samples of my professional writing, please contact me.
Music
I am an experienced professional pianist and vocalist with training and extensive performance experience in classical, jazz, pop, improvisational, and musical theatre styles. I formally taught private piano and voice lessons from 2017-2020 at Musicologie Studios in Columbus, Ohio. I enjoy performing at cocktail parties, providing accompaniment for soloists, and playing with friends through impromptu showtunes singing nights!
Skeleton Crew
I am thrilled to perform as the lead singer and keyboardist of a four-piece alt rock cover band named Skeleton Crew! We are based out of Raleigh-Durham and perform at venues all around the Triangle. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram: @skeletoncrewnc and visit our website: https://skeletoncrewnc.com.
Voices of Chapel Hill
In the Fall of 2021, I joined the Voices of Chapel Hill community choir. I sing second soprano and am also part of the Cantari chamber ensemble. Here’s a mini-piece I wrote about why I think community spaces like this are so important:
One day, you show up as the new person in a community space. You’ve taken a shower, chosen an outfit, and selected a demeanor that says Hello, I’m approachable. At first you may be nervous, especially if you have to pass a test to enter the community, such as give an audition, or answer a riddle, or if a current member has to vouch for you, or other kinds of social Captchas. But if everything goes well the first time, you might put on the same face and go back the second time. At some point, you have a conversation with someone else who also seems to be projecting the vibe of Hello, I’m approachable. Their face is different than yours, but it’s friendly and open. You may look for their face the next time you go so you can sit together and talk about how much you have in common. But also:
- Perhaps there is a face that you find somewhat irksome, but for which you still carry a deep and protective affection.
- Perhaps there is a face that you speak to every week but yet cannot for the life of you remember the name of the person who wears it. You’ll get it next time!
- Perhaps there is another face that reminds you of a portrait you saw in an art gallery as a child. This person embodies the very essence of nobility and grace, yet how could you ever tell them without it coming off super creepy? What a shame.
- Perhaps there is one face that fills you with utter joy when you see them! You stop whatever you’re doing to give them a hug and exchange greetings.
- Perhaps one face belongs to someone to whom you have confessed a painfully embarrassing secret. You are always checking to see if the secret will show up on their face when you speak. Sometimes yes, but mostly no (phew).
- Perhaps there is yet another face for whom you drop your defenses entirely. There is no need at all to adjust your energy; you can wear any expression at all and they will accept you.
Over time, there are moments when you may feel that you aren’t wearing a face at all–it’s really you, and you don’t even have to think about it. You are just being yourself. Those moments cannot be predicted, purchased, or prolonged, and they are the whole point. But, you can sometimes preserve them on video. I was privileged to perform as the featured soloist in Robert Ray’s “Magnificat” during Voices’ holiday concert in 2022. Check it out!!
Oil Paintings
Here are some of my favourite oil paintings that I’ve done, ranging from latest to earliest. My husband thinks they’re really good! (Please agree.)
Oberon House. 2022. Oil on canvas.
Rachel and Cloud. 2022. Oil on canvas.
Untitled study. 2020. Oil on canvas.
Hayden. 2020. Oil on canvas.