As one of 10 students selected for Westminster College’s 10th annual Summer Research Fellowship, Laci Marstellar—a junior music education and trumpet performance double major from Halder, Pa.—spent her summer exploring the impact that blind auditions have on the field of professional orchestral performance.   Marstellar conducted her research, “From Past to Present: Women in Brass Performance,” under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Aaron Himes. 

Marstellar’s inspiration for the project grew from her personal experiences as a woman in the field of music.  

“I chose this topic because I am a brass player. Having played the trumpet for a decade, I heard stories and experienced some of the sexism-related issues in the brass playing community,” said Marstellar. “I wanted to look back at the history and figure out why those biases began and why they are still so prevalent today.” 

Marstellar’s project is specifically designed around the impact blind auditions have on the professional field of orchestral performance for women. During a blind audition, candidates perform behind a screen, hiding their identities.  Blind auditions increased the percentage of women offered the position by 50 percent.  

“With more women in orchestras and performing professionally, it allowed conversations about the sexism and bias to start happening,” said Marstellar. “What I found most interesting were the trailblazers, the first few women to begin performing at the professional level.”

Students participating in the Summer Research Fellowship are supported by the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research and work with a faculty member who serves as a guide and mentor.

Marstellar worked with Himes on her project and appreciated input and assistance from former Assistant Professor of Music Dr. JaKobe Henry.

“Both are brass players who know the audition process and the names and stories of women in this field that I could investigate. They offered me valuable insight and perspective,” said Marstellar.

Marsetllar was pleased to be chosen for the summer fellowship program and give attention to the Westminster College School of Music.

“I loved my summer fellowship experience and I highly recommend it to anyone considering it. When I began the project, I was very intimidated to work on something of this scale. Fortunately, I did not give up and proved to myself that I could complete the project. I learned so much in the process and had a great time working with my advisers,” said Marstellar. 

Marstellar performs with various ensembles playing the trumpet, trombone or singing on campus. She is president of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association (PcMEA) chapter and the chorister of Mu Phi Epsilon. Marstellar is a member of the Mercer Community Band and served as their assistant student director over the summer. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and work towards a master's degree in trumpet performance. She hopes to ultimately earn her Doctor of Musical Arts degree or perform professionally while giving private lessons or teaching at a college or university. 

Sponsored by the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research, Summer Research Fellowships at Westminster College allow students to conduct hands-on research and creative projects under the guidance of our experienced faculty mentors. 

To learn more about Westminster's music major, please visit www.westminster.edu/music. 

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