Stanford Talisman
Director (‘19-’20), Business Manager (‘17-’18), Member (‘16-’20)
MY DEFINITION
Stanford Talisman is a family. We come from around the world and travel many different paths of life. We embrace our differences because we share a common belief - that storytelling through music is is powerful. I am blessed with a multicultural family who has nurtured me so much through love and story. I’ve been part of the best kind of community: one that harmonizes the practices of listening to others, embracing your powerful voice, and bringing together these unique voices to amplify one message.
THE OFFICIAL DEFINITION
Stanford Talisman is a semi-professional student-led a cappella group founded in 1990 in an effort to bring light to underrepresented music and stories on campus. Initially, this was born out of sympathy to the anti-apartheid movement, hence our repertoire's roots in South African music; however, our repertoire has since grown to include music from around the world, and we continue to grow while guided under the mission of sharing human stories through song.
Director (2019-2020)
At the beginning of the year, I told our fourteen new members, “Your voice is your power, and you use it so beautifully. My goal for you this year: feel that power, and use your voice.” Some of my personal highlights from the year:
• Led my 6-person officer team to execute our overall vision grounded in learning, personal growth, and community.
• Welcomed 14 new members to our 20-person group
• Lead 3+ two-hour rehearsals a week
• Planned and lead 2 off-campus community-building retreats
• Performed 30+ paid and unpaid gigs
• Planned an intensive Spring Tour with the goal to learn more about the genuine roots of where our songs come from. Efforts included crafting a tour vision, crafting a preparation curriculum on history, culture, and current issues, networking and connecting with performance and education opportunities, managing logistics, and fundraising. (Postponed due to COVID-19)
• Put on four large-scale shows, including our sold-out 30th Anniversary Concert at Bing Concert Hall
• Was "alto mama" to four alto fledglings
• Navigating Talisman through the "new normal" remote Spring Quarter due to the pandemic
The Modimo Triology, performed at our first concert of the year and my directorial debut in December 2020. I was in total awe of my “babies!” One of them told me after the concert, “That was the best experience I’ve ever had performing. I want to do it again!”
Business Manager (2017-2018)
• Booked engagements, sought out new clients, and arranged booking fees
• Booked 62 performances, with revenues going towards venue and travel expenses
• Reserved rehearsal and performance venues on and off-campus
• Co-organized an intensive Spring Tour to Hawai'i, which involved seeking out learning and performance opportunities, crafting a tour preparation curriculum, managing travel logistics, and fundraising.
• Sang in the alto voice part