TAWANA MARTIN
The 27-year-old Daytonian, a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, echoes Baugham’s sentiments.
“I was looking to grow as a musician and work with others,” Martin said. “The program has inspired me to continue working and I’ve met some very talented and loving musicians. I’ve learned that I’m not alone and my voice and art has a place in which it can be appreciated.”
ANNA BAUGHAM
The immersive, month-long musical boot camp of workshops and one-on-one sessions was an illuminating experience for the 17-year-old senior at Dominion Academy of Dayton
“One Small Voice has changed everything I thought I knew about music communities,” Baugham said. “Before OSV, I thought being a solo artist was simply that: no one to bounce ideas off, just a hobby you worked on in your bedroom at 2 a.m. That all changed when I met all the beautiful and talented women in this workshop. Instantly, everyone bonded and it felt like we were all sisters.
“Although it was an emotional experience, when we entered the workshop sessions we were ready to learn and take constructive criticism,” she continued. “When we all performed for the open mike night, everyone was so supportive. The room was filled with love and encouragement. When I got up to sing my original, I actually began to cry. I was overwhelmed and proud of every single one of those women.”
MEI LI WEIL
“My experience with One Small Voice has been life changing,” said Weil, a 17-year-old junior at Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati. “Creating music with so many strong, beautiful and influential women has been so inspiring to watch and be a part of. Each and every one of these women has something important to say and their own story to tell and we’ve all found a similar way to tell our different stories.
“Everyone is so supportive,” she added. “The dynamic between the personalities and the age range and the journeys and the current stages of life are so diverse but we’ve learned to forget our differences and give what we have to give.”
WANT TO GO?
What: Victoria Theatre Association presents One Small Voice: Women Who Rock featuring Anna Baugham, Mei Li Weil, Tawana Martin and others
Where: Courthouse Square, Third and Main streets, Dayton
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23
More info:www.victoriatheatre.com
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