'Finding Voice' writer will speak at November AAUW meeting

Dr. Elizabeth York, chairman of the Music Education and Music Therapy departments at Converse College, will be guest speaker at the Monday, Nov. 10, meeting of the Gaffney Branch of the American Association of University Women. Open to the public, the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 308 College Drive.

As a faculty member at Utah State University in 2002-2003, Dr. York received an AAUW American Fellow Post-Doctoral Research grant to investigate the effects of music therapy and creative arts experiences with women survivors of domestic violence. The year-long project culminated in a performance piece entitled "Finding Voice." It was initially performed in nine venues across Utah by a cast of women participants. The performance includes original songs, poetry and personal stories of the women's experiences of abuse.

This year, Dr. York received grant funding from Converse College for a local production of "Finding Voice." Her new work will include revisions to the script that will reflect the voices of SC women survivors. Dr. York will talk about the project and the performance scheduled for March 24, 2009.

AAUW grants and fellowships are selected yearly from a large number of applicants. Being an AAUW grant recipient is a prestigious accomplishment. According to Kathy Phillips, Gaffney Branch president, being able to present an awardee of such a grant is a considerable honor for the branch.

Anyone with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is eligible for membership in AAUW. For more information about the meeting or the organization, contact the president at 489-5389 or the membership chairman at 489-0826.