The Women’s History Month Recital Recognizes the Contributions of Women through Poetry & Music
Written By Dakota Gold
Arts & Culture
The Women’s History Month Recital held on March 3 recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of women throughout the centuries. Through art forms like music and poetry, women leave their mark and prove their dedication and persistence.
This common time event was curated by the English and Music departments. Dr. Kristen Wunderlich, professor of music, coordinated the event and performed a vocal piece created by her friend and colleague after the passing of her mother. The piece reminds the audience of the profound love of mothers that continues to breathe in absence. Prior to performing, Wunderlich dedicated the event to Dr. Jo Koster, professor of English, who is retiring after many years at Winthrop. She read two pieces of original poetry titled “Poplars” and “Tatterdemalion City” (see below).
Koster has been writing poetry since she was in high school, but when she was in college, one of her professors, who was a well-known American poet, told her that her poetry was not any good. She said that she believed him and stopped writing poetry for almost 20 years. “It wasn’t until I came to Winthrop, and my colleague Dorothy Perry Thompson found out that story [and she was furious that a man shut my voice down], that she encouraged me to start writing again,” Koster said. Now, Koster has been writing poetry for about three decades.
When asked how poetry makes her feel, Koster said that it is a process that can be cathartic, but it can also take a lot of practice and editing to write as perfectly as possible.
“Writing poetry can make me feel really good, but it can also be very frustrating when I can’t find the right words or the right shape of a poem or even the right way to start. It’s like any other creative activity—you have to practice, you have to make yourself write sometimes, and when the flow is right, you get something good.”
Koster emphasized that women’s history, along with other months of celebration, should be celebrated year round.
“I am a big supporter of Women’s History Month, except that I think it should be Women’s History Year. Women have made so many contributions to our culture; as the saying goes, they ‘hold up half the sky,’” Koster said.
Koster continues that the stories of women should be consistently shared and held in higher regard.
“And while I think they deserve a spotlight month, I think we should be telling these stories, learning this history, all the time—I think our world would be better if women’s contributions were held in more respect. [I think the same thing for other Months, too!] So let’s not lose the momentum we get by celebrating women in March—let’s use that as a running start!”
Another highlight of talent at the recital was Greta Oswald reading original poetry. Oswald, a junior in special education, recently wrote a series of poems about the biblical book “Ruth,” the first of which she read at the recital.
Oswald says that her biggest inspiration for her poetry is Mary Oliver.
“She was a gifted poet,” Oswald said. “I have never read anything by her that did not amaze me. She also cared so much about living with slowness and intentionality, not overlooking the wonder all around us!” She says she tries to incorporate this into how she lives and into the poems she writes.
When asked about Women’s History Month, Oswald responded that it is a season of giving honor that has been historically lacking.
“It is a time to celebrate women and acknowledge that we have not always been celebrated and valued as we were created to be,” Oswald said. “To me, it is a gift from God […] He has always celebrated women, and now we get to formally join Him!”
There were several showcases of music, including piano and vocal pieces, and some of which were original. Nonetheless, all performed pieces were written by women. Rachel Lane, Music Composition and Technology major, played two original piano compositions titled “Espresso” and “Café Americano.” Each display of music at the recital was beautifully crafted, showing how women put their heart and hard work into everything they do. This art creates a reminder that women’s voices have and will continue to shape history.
Tatterdemalion city
you wear your age so well
cover your creases with cerulean paint
slap wrought iron and beads over your scars
brazen it out on the morning after
with a wry grin and beignet sugar
all over your front
no pockmark so deep that thick mascara
and a feather boa or two
won’t cover it up as you stagger home
at 4 a.m. on a stranger’s arm
after a night you’ll smile to regret
tatterdemalion city my sister
teach me to strut like an old drag queen
mask my heart behind the glitter and throws
swagger on like it doesn’t hurt
–Jo Koster