Connecticut College has a very creative student body, one that is committed to creating and attending theater productions, Dance Club performances, a cappella concerts and art exhibits. Despite these thriving creative arts and the fact that English is one of the most popular majors at Conn, just four years ago our school was notorious for its inability to maintain a literary magazine. Fortunately, Cadenza Magazine, founded in 2009 by then-sophomores Jenni Milton, Katelyn Goll and Becca Crovo, has continued to stand its ground as Connecticut College’s beloved literary magazine. An article published by The College Voice at the time of Cadenza’s inception states that the “editors of Cadenza Magazine constantly stress their goal of making sure their magazine outlasts the many literary magazines that have come and gone at Connecticut College.”
One of the reasons that Cadenza has continued to flourish is its ability to be flexible and to not only publish a magazine each semester, but also to step outside of the confines of a traditional magazine by putting on campus events. Last semester, Sam Norcross ’14 wrote for The College Voice about the event “Cadenza Live,” an open-mic night held in Coffee Grounds with performances ranging from music to poetry. It was a success and stayed true to the original goal of the magazine, which is to “provide a creative outlet for students by allowing them to showcase any literary or artistic talents.”
Cadenza is also so successful because of its dedicated and enthusiastic members. This semester, the co-Editors in Chief of Cadenza are Jenn Jackson ’15 and Norah Hannel ’14, who both graciously offered their time for an interview. To find out about the status of Cadenza this semester and to gain a sneak peek into this semester’s magazine, read on!
The College Voice: When did you get involved with Cadenza and what prompted you to join?
Jackson: I signed up randomly at the first Involvement Fair my freshman year. After going to the first few meetings, I realized that Cadenza needed some loving. With improved publicity designs, continuously evolving layout and just trying to raise awareness of this small publication, I have been a part of Cadenza for the last three years.
Hannel: At the beginning of my junior year, I talked with Dean Dreher about my interest in magazine layout and editing, to which she replied that I should look into Conn’s art and literary publication, Cadenza. I went to the meeting that week and really liked how surreal, vibrant and beautiful the submissions were. Designing the magazine’s composition at the end of the semester was so much fun that I decided to continue on with it upon returning to campus from study abroad.
TCV: Last semester there was an event called Cadenza Live. Will any similar events be coming up?
H&J: Definitely! We’d love to have a similar event for the end of this semester—“art meets holiday coziness”—which we will advertise once we’ve finalized details. Next semester we also want to organize a field trip to Washington Street Coffee House for a night of poetry, put on an afternoon of pancakes and photography in which we discuss visual art and cook brunch and do whatever else the student body is interested in!
TCV: When do you typically publish your magazine each semester?
H&J: We publish once a semester, compiling and printing the magazine at the end of each term for people to enjoy during their finals study breaks or on their trips home.
TCV: When will the next issue be released?
H&J: On December 11th, the last day of classes.
TCV: For those interested in reading the magazine, where can they pick one up?
H&J: They’ll be available in Coffee Grounds, the Coffee Closet, Harkness Café, the Library and Cro, as well as sprinkled across other spots on campus.
Cadenza Magazine meets every Monday at 9 pm in Coffee Grounds. For questions or submissions, contact cadenzamag@gmail.com.
Art by Lucie Fleming
