Reese Bell ('26) is a talented musician and involved member of The Darlington Players as the assistant sound and stage manager. She is most known for her work composing music for the fall play, "12 Angry Jurors," and is currently composing new music for The Darlington Podcast. Hear more from Reese in her interview below.
What do you like the most about the design process?
The things I like most about the design process is allowing my creativity to bloom in new ways. I like to challenge myself by thinking of different directions I can push my abilities in and what comes with it.
What do you look to for inspiration?
Something I look to for inspiration is other music. I will normally listen to a song and listen to the emotions of the piece and how it makes me feel, and that really inspires me to create something with similar emotions and see how I can interpret it.
What is the most challenging part of designing in your world?
The most challenging part of designing would definitely be getting started. I love creating new things, but sometimes it takes me a while to find the right inspiration or the right motivation to get started on a new project. But that’s one of the beautiful things about the design process is the time you take to create something beautiful.
What experiences have you had as a result of working through this design process with projects at Darlington?
My first major experience with design while working with Darlington was the fall play "12 Angry Jurors." I was allowed to create and think of my own music for the entire play and that really helped me with discovering what I enjoy about the design process. This design also led me to my current project, which is making the music for The Darlington Podcast.
As a designer, how have you been challenged?
As a designer, I would say I’ve been challenged in many ways, but the most I’ve ever been challenged during the design process would be when I have to start with a completely blank slate, and come up with something entirely original. While it is the most challenging part of the design process it is also my favorite because it normally leads to inspiration.
