“I don't have political clout, I don't have economic means, but that’s not the only way that I can have a voice. I have music and I can have a voice through that.”

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra, University of Michigan Lecturer in Carillon, affiliate faculty at the Institute for Research on Women and Gender and at the Center for World Performance Studies. She is the Artistic Director at Healing Bells, which brings together award-winning journalists, filmmakers, and composers to tell underreported stories of social injustices and agency via music and film. Pamela shares her experiences with music, playing the carillon, and her insights into arts and healing.

Resiliency is best demonstrated in times of change. Join CEW+ Advocacy Program Manager Liz Debetta as she talks to students, staff, faculty, and community members connected to the University of Michigan’s Center for the Education of Women+ (CEW+) in our podcast, Strength in the Midst of Change, to hear personal and professional stories of strength and growth. Through this podcast, CEW+ seeks to create a safe place where you will be inspired by the stories of everyday people.

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Resource Links

• “Empower” is dedicated to Sarah Goddard Power, and inspired by her indefatigable activism for women and marginalized people. Ruiter-Feenstra composed “Empower” for the University of Michigan’s Center for the Education of Women+’s 2023 Sarah Goddard Power Award Ceremony. See the video.
• To see the sheet music to “Empower,” and Ruiter-Feenstra’s other compositions, see here. 
• More information on Healing Bells. 
• YouTube channel
• Short documentary that reveals the Healing Bells method we created. Funding [in part] has been made possible by the Puffin Foundation, Ltd.
• Pamela’s Soundcloud
• Pamela’s Linkedin
• Pamela’s website
• Compositions

 

Photo credit: Peter Matthews