Music Amidst a Global Pandemic

By: Alaina Valdespino, Staff Writer, Photographer

Regis’ choir rehearse outside underneath the music tent in the parking lot of Claver Hall. Part of the new COVID safety measures for the music program included special masks for singers, as well as rehearsing outside in a socially distant and productive way. Photo courtesy of Dr. Mark Davenport

Music during a global pandemic… seems pretty impossible, wouldn’t you say?

Well, for all those involved in Regis Universities’ Music Program, it’s still happening! Amidst all odds and facing tremendous obstacles, students and faculty have worked to find solutions to allow for the continuation of musical art in a way that is both admirable and enjoyable to listen to.

Because confined indoor classroom spaces aren’t exactly safe for singing or instrument playing in the age of COVID, music faculty worked to provide a safer solution and created an outdoor rehearsal space that gives students a place to rehearse in a socially distant and productive way. Not only does this outdoor space provide students with a chance to continue to pursue their musical endeavors, but it also happens to provide anyone and everyone near the Claver parking lot with beautiful, live music to listen to.

At first glance, these outdoor rehearsals may look a bit unorthodox. After all, singers wear what is called a singers mask (a mask that protrudes from the face allowing for space to sing) and band members have to wear masks even if they play a woodwind instrument (in this case they cut a hole into their mask.) However, by abiding by these safety protocols, students and faculty are allowed to safely continue their music in this COVID-stricken semester.

Because outdoor rehearsals provide a safe alternative to indoor, performances are also being held outside. That being said, performances also have a virtual option in which they are (whether they be choral, solo, or band) recorded and then uploaded for students to view.

As unconventional as it may seem to be hosting choir and band rehearsals outside, it has been very rewarding. Being a Regis music student, I have experienced this firsthand and can say that I enjoy it very much. Sure, it's not ideal to be singing under a tent when it's snowing; yes… that happened. Sure, it's not always ideal when the wind causes your sheet music to go flying everywhere. But at the end of the day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to do what I love with a group of individuals that feels the same.

Music provides us with something nothing else can. It gives us a chance to channel our emotions into something that can impact others. Music has power. Music gives us a chance to relate to something and to feel in a way that no other thing can. Music is a gift, and I can honestly say that I cherish every rehearsal, and every chance I get to create it. And given these unprecedented times where musicians across the country struggle to find a safe place to create, all I can think about is how grateful I am to be at a place that not only allows me to create music, but encourages me along with other students to find ways to do it in a COVID-safe way.

Masks, outdoor rehearsals, recording performances… all of these are the new normal for Regis University music students. And rather than waiting for the situation to revert to what it once was, the Regis Music Program was proactive about the situation in a way that continues to give students a chance to pursue their music as best as possible given the circumstance. 

Club Feature: In Between

By: Carly Compesi, Staff Writer

Design courtesy of In Between (Regis).

Ever wonder where you fit in? That’s what sophomore, Anna Gilstrap, and her friends wondered when starting a national organization for Asian adoptees called “In Between.” This year, Gilstrap began a new chapter of In Between for Regis University students. I had the opportunity to interview her and learn a bit more about what In Between has to offer.

According to Gilstrap, the idea of In Between started after participating in “Adopteen,” an organization that brings together adopted teenagers for events and service trips to other countries. Though Gilstrap rarely spoke of her adoption during high school, Adopteen caught her eye.

“It sounded like a cool opportunity to hold babies and talk to some of the orphans in the orphanage,” Gilstrap explained. “I don’t know what the stats were, but only 30 applicants went per trip, so I was really fortunate to get one trip.”

However, Gilstrap’s trip to China wasn’t all she had expected it to be. She spoke of her time making crafts and playing games with younger children like Hei Hei, a little boy who loved playing with his red truck. The surprise came when spending time with older children and teenagers at the orphanage, some of which were 18 years old (and older than Gilstrap, who was 17 years old at the time).

“That could’ve been me,” Gilstrap said, reflecting on her experience. “I could’ve stayed just stayed in the orphanage. I could’ve just stayed there [in China]. [...] It was really hard, but I think it was necessary for me to realize that my adoption is not just a fun fact about myself. It’s an actual thing that happened. It’s not sad or anything. It can be happy. But it’s more than a fun fact. It’s my life story.”

But even after making this realization, Gilstrap and her new friends from Adopteen struggled to find where they belonged after leaving China. While their lives began in Chinese orphanages much like the ones they visited, they quickly discovered the ways in which they were more American. This left them looking for clubs and organizations where they could finally speak about their adoptions or their biracial identities. Unfortunately, no groups of this kind existed on their campuses.

“We realized [Adopteen] changed our viewpoint on our adoption,” Gilstrap explained. “We’re more open about it. I feel like a lot of the stigma that we’ve been raised with has been chipped.”

That’s when Gilstrap’s friend created “In Between” at UC Berkeley, giving Asian adoptees an opportunity to find others who share this split, multicultural identity. And while Gilstrap recognizes that In Between is not for everyone, she welcomes those looking for a place to celebrate their identity, especially when their identity falls between two cultures.

“I feel that no one should or must go to In Between...it’s more about whatever your path is in the Asian adoption experience,” Gilstrap clarified. “In Between is important for my growth as an Asian adoptee. [...] It’s such a cool experience for me to realize that there are so many of us.”

Gilstrap feels that In Between is an opportunity to get the closure, connection, and community that often isolates Asian adoptees. She says the group is for those who want new insight and healing from their experiences. This year, her goal is to spread the word about In Between and ensure that people feel connected. Gilstrap, along with other In Between chapters across the country, will be hosting events on Zoom to build these connections.

Interested in learning more or becoming a part of In Between? The Instagram for In Between’s Regis University chapter is @InBetweenRegis, and the Instagram for every chapter of In Between is @InBetweenNational. To RSVP for events, just look for links in their bios.

Red Flag Campaign and Women's Issues

By: Hannah Ury, Staff Writer

On Sept. 23rd, the Office of Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention set up a display on the quad with a sign that read, “Say something when you see warning signs (red flags) for sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. Put a flag in the ground to show your support!”

Photo by Morgan Jacobus

Last week, the Red Flag Campaign was featured on campus outside of the Student Center. They hosted a Zoom discussion regarding relationship violence and sexual assault, but aside from that it did not receive a whole lot of attention on campus. The Red Flag Campaign is a part of the Intimate Partner Violence/Sexual Assault Research Development Group in the Institute for Women’s Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, designed to bring awareness to the issues of relationship violence that can be prevalent on college campuses and beyond. While it can feel like the topic gets beat to death, it is ultimately more important now than ever to bring attention to women’s issues. 

With the recent Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, it is clear that women’s rights are under attack, and if Barrett is approved, they could be for decades. Not only would she restrict a woman’s right to safe abortion, including cases of rape, she would also restrict access to helpful organizations like Planned Parenthood. While the Red Flag Campaign is doing incredibly important work, it is ultimately a team effort that will achieve the necessary results for women in America. 

Already President Trump has taken significant action against sexual assault survivors on college campuses. Title IX, a rule concerning sex-based discrimination and sexual assault on college campuses, has been severely limited by his administration. While the goal of the Red Flag Campaign and other survivor advocacy groups is to make it as easy as possible for survivors to report instances of sexual misconduct, the Trump administration has done its best to ensure survivors do not report what happens to them. What had previously been a broad definition intended to allow for ease of reporting has now been narrowed to “severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive” actions of sexual misconduct, according to his new version of Title IX. This definition is extremely harmful to survivors trying to report sexual misconduct because it is entirely subjective. As a result of the subjectivity of the rule, administrations who want to lower their school’s sexual misconduct statistics can simply decide that instances of clear misconduct were not actually severe enough to justify investigation. Rather than giving power to victims who simply want to see some sort of justice, President Trump has given power to the abusers and college administrations. 

While attacks such as these can make college students feel powerless, it is important to remember why an extremely conservative Supreme Court nominee is being pushed through at the last hour. Conservatives know the power young people hold. Young people have the ability to sway elections, and for the first time we can have more impact on this election than the Baby Boomer generation. Sexual assault survivors are counting on us to preserve their rights, and for that reason along with a billion others, voting is more important now than ever. The Red Flag Campaign is an example of what survivors of relationship violence and sexual misconduct deserve: someone to stand in their corner. Vote this November and do your part in standing with survivors.