Music students win first place at Laurier's ACERS

May 7, 2021

Congratulations to Laurier Faculty of Music students Ella Latta Suazo and Maggie Van Der Sluis for winning first place (in their respective categories) at Laurier’s 2021 Academic, Creative and Engaged Research Showcase (ACERS).

ACERS provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to present research they have done in class to their peers and community.

Students are nominated by faculty members and can present their research as a Poster, Podcast or Video.

Ella Latta Suazo – Travelling Home – First Place Podcast

Description of project:

My research topic was a self-reflection on the concept of place, and home and its impact on my identity. I explored this through a short film with some of my original music, my life long reflections and footage of my three homes.

Which course did your research come from?

NO211, Canadian Identities and Cultures taught by Bina Mehta.

Thoughts on participating in ACERS:

I had a lot of fun preparing for my submission and creating my podcast, it was very interesting to reframe my short film in podcast. I was able to use the skills learned in my course ARTS1730, Recording Arts to create my podcast and continue practicing my recording skills.

Maggie Van Der Sluis – How Joplin’s Treemonisha – First Place Video

Description of project:

In my video, I examine Scott Joplin's only opera, Treemonisha, while analysing how it challenges societal and operatic norms for black culture.

Which course did your research come from?

MU375, Modern Music 1890-1975 taught by Dr. Kirsten Yri.

Thoughts on participating in ACERS:

My research was originally in the form of a paper. I chose to make a video because I thought it was important to be able to see and hear clips of the opera. The video creation process was quite challenging, as I had to condense a 12-page paper into a 7-minute video. I took the key parts and tried to turn my paper into a script. I spent a lot of time editing and trying to make the language less musicological and easier for anyone to understand.

 
For a full list of 2021 winner's visit the ACERS website.