Hannah Baumgardner - Participating in Performing Arts Ensemble (6 points)

 Hannah Baumgardner (C/O '26) - Participating in Performing Arts Ensemble (6 pts.) 

(Pictured above: Noire's Executive Board) 

    This semester will be my seventh semester participating in Noire, Spelman's contemporary music ensemble, and my fourth semester as Noire's president.

    On the technical side, I organize and supervise the operations of Noire's eboard while supporting each member within their respective roles. It is my responsibility to keep up with upcoming performance and assignment dates throughout the semester, ensuring the ensemble is well aware of the schedule. Essentially, I am the ensemble's ambassador, constantly searching for opportunities, encouraging students to perform in front of diverse audiences, and bolstering students' performance confidence leading to our final concert. Above all, I have worked to foster a space on Spelman's campus where budding musicians can freely share their passions. Though Noire has had its setbacks and hiccups, the ensemble is filled with girls dedicated to its success and, most importantly, each other. 

  As an ensemble, Noire is relatively new to Spelman's campus; it has only been around for seven or eight years. Because the ensemble is so new, it is still in the process of establishing itself on campus and within the Atlanta music scene; therefore, we are in a constant state of growth, constantly testing out new ideas, engaging with different crowds, and refining our sound. Each performance teaches us something different, and after each performance, we all gather our thoughts and figure out what can be improved upon.

    This semester, I am proud to say that Noire has already been booked for nine off-campus performances before the final fall concert. The most we have ever had in a single term! With every performance, we gain confidence, visibility, and a clearer sense of who we are becoming. The journey has been long and demanding, but I know we are at the start of a lasting legacy taking shape on this campus.