The Sound of Today sees plenty of talent, but Claire Connor brings the kind that could become the sound of tomorrow. Born and raised in Zachary, Louisiana, Connor knew her goals in life from the very beginning—to join the arts.
Connor took honors and dual enrollment classes while attending Zachary High School. She began sophomore year in the school’s Talented Theater program as well as leading the flute section in marching band. She struggled through some subjects, namely biology, but grew to love it with help from her teacher.
“One of my favorite teachers was Harvey… my biology teacher,” Connor said. “At first, I hated that class because it was so hard, but Harvey took the time to make sure I understood the material. I did multiple after school tutoring sessions with her to prepare for LEAP testing. I felt so confident, and I got Advanced. It was the highest score I had ever gotten. She was so proud of me, and I was proud of myself.”
Before the stress of school, though, Connor’s sister provided her an experience that influences her even today—she became an aunt at six years old.
“It has been hard for me to be at school and so far away from them,” Connor said. “My niece is a mini me—she loves makeup, nails and all things girly. As I got older, I realized I have to be very intentional with how I act around kids. They copy everything you do and say.”
Her mother influences her life in a different way. Despite living three hours away, her mother inspires her to pursue her passions through college, driving to Monroe to see Connor perform. Her sister also provides her an out to discuss her emotions and provides support when needed.
Connor’s mother also introduced her to beaded jewelry when she was young, winning visual arts competitions for her pieces. While a member of the Beta Club in fifth grade, she participated in state conventions for visual arts. With the help of her mother, Connor made her first beaded jewelry set, winning first place at the competition.
Afterwards, her mother made a jewelry kit so Connor could make pieces on her own. She became an unstoppable force at the annual Beta state conventions, constantly attempting to top her previous years’ works. She even learned how to use clay and resin to elevate certain sets. After seven years of conventions, Connor placed six times—she won first place four times and went to the national convention once.
“You need to find something you are passionate about,” Connor said. “In a world of art, whether you prefer painting, dancing, cooking… just find something that makes you happy. Once you find something and start actively doing it, you will see it makes life worth living.”
Connor’s experience with the VAPA community at ULM is nothing short of exceptional. Her professors, notably music professor Sandra Lunte, Ph.D., help her express herself creatively and grow as a musician.
“I adore Claire,” Lunte said. “She approaches flute lessons, and life, with an open mind and great attitude. I always tell her how much I appreciate her open mind and heart. I am in awe of how she manages to balance her artistic endeavors of music and dance with her academic pursuits. She is a joy to teach.”
She joined Tau Beta Sigma, the Sound of Today’s honorary sorority, her freshman year. During the marching season, she helps with uniforms and sets up the practice field. In the spring, during concert season, she helps set up chairs and music stands for performances.
In the future, Claire wants to pursue Psychology while also having time to dance and act. After travelling to Greece and Italy during high school, she now dreams internationally, planning to join a show to explore the world.
