"We Are Moving The Needle"

Music Industry chapter established at Troy University

A national organization with the mission of supporting underrepresented groups in the music industry introduced a chapter at Troy University starting this semester. 

The organization, We Are Moving the Needle (WAMTN), aims to provide experience, scholarships, grants and advocacy to women, non-binary people and transgender people aspiring to become music producers, audio engineers, or other positions within the music industry. 

“It’s important that underrepresented groups are able to come together and have the means to have their voices heard,” said Chapter President Morgan Mitchell, a junior music industry major from Huntsville, Alabama. “With WAMTN, not only are we given a platform, but provided materials and support to amplify underrepresented voices, and to further our work in the audio industry. 

“As someone who is in one of those underrepresented groups and have been involved in creative and music-oriented spaces my whole life, I’ve seen and experienced having my voice overlooked, whether intentional or otherwise, just because of my gender.” 

According to one student, the impact of being overlooked because of someone’s gender identity can stretch past their professional life and into their social life, and WAMTN helps them feel more accepted in both aspects. 

“Our school of music has a very diverse community, but it is easy for students who are part of those underrepresented groups to still feel isolated if they’re not given a chance to collaborate with each other,” said Vice President Steve Hubert, a senior communications major from Chelsea, Alabama. “So, what this group means to me is not only creating opportunities for our students to receive scholarships, grants and guidance from real industry professionals, but for us as students to create a closer community with each other.” 

Hubert also believes WAMTN will help draw students with a passion for music into the program and hopes they can create a supportive environment that allows people to pursue something they’ve always wanted to explore. 

“There could be a student studying business who loves to sit and write songs in their dorm that may have never considered working in the music industry, and this could help them find a path that connects with their passion,” Hubert said. “We have a very unique advantage at Troy by having this music industry program and so many highly talented students, and I think we should take more advantage of it.” 

WAMTN is a direct outcome of these students taking advantage of their program.  

The faculty advisor for the chapter, Dr. Chandler Bridges, said that it is built and run almost entirely by the students. 

“I’m excited to see our music industry students take the lead in forming the WAMTN chapter,” Bridges said. “It’s student-driven, focused on networking and career development and creates opportunities for our students to build real relationships with industry professionals, alumni and peers that willbenefit them well beyond graduation.  

“Most importantly, it empowers our students to take ownership of their careers and start building professional momentum now, not after they leave campus.” 

As for Mitchell, creating a community that allows for so many people of different experiences, identities and backgrounds will benefit the program and industry itself. 

“Such diversity of individuals in a creative field such as audio production or the music industry in general can help blossom unique, innovative creations that wouldn’t see the light of day otherwise,” Mitchell said. “If we overlook nearly half of the population, we are missing 50% of what could be offered.” 

It being their first semester, WAMTN are planning a few socials, panels and seminars to introduce the chapter to the community, which Mitchell says is the most important part in allowing people to find their voice. 

“Community is what we are,” Mitchell said. “You never, ever, have to do anything [by] yourself, and if you reach out to your community, you will find that there are others alike to you more often than not.  

“Creativity, just like community, is one of the oldest traits we as humans have. Use it.  

“Embrace it.” 

Troy’s chapter of WAMTN encourages anyone interested in joining. Those interested in learning more about the chapter can find more information on their Instagram at @wamtntroy.