Empowering Women in Music: Kayla Selan's Inspiring Journey on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show
Kayla Selan, a 20-year-old graduate of Ashland High School and current student at Cleveland State University, recently had a life-changing experience on "The Kelly Clarkson Show." During the show, she was surprised by world-renowned conductor Marin Alsop, who invited Selan to shadow her at Carnegie Hall during a rehearsal and performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Selan, who aspires to be a conductor, was thrilled by the opportunity and expressed her gratitude for Alsop's inspiration and guidance.
The journey to Selan's appearance on the show began in March when she was connected with the opportunity through her mentor, Michael Repper, the music director of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. With the help of 8VA Music Consultancy, Selan traveled to NBC Studios in New York to film with Clarkson. The whirlwind experience took place just a week after the end of her sophomore year at CSU, with Selan filming on a Tuesday morning and returning to Ohio that same night.
Selan's passion for conducting was sparked during a concert in high school when she approached Marty Kral, the director of bands at Ashland High School, and expressed her desire to pursue a career in conducting. Kral and Repper have been instrumental in supporting Selan on her journey, providing her with valuable connections and guidance. Selan is grateful for their belief in her and the opportunities they have helped create for her in the field of conducting.
As a woman in a male-dominated profession, Selan values the importance of advocating for equal opportunities for everyone in the field of music and the arts. She sees her journey as not only a personal pursuit of her passion for conducting but also as a way to pave the way for other aspiring female conductors. Selan's experience on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" was a significant milestone in her career and a testament to her dedication and talent in the field of conducting.