Swims Presents: Women's CHamber Collaborative

Layla Booker is a dedicated junior Music Education major at Tennessee Tech University, maintaining a 3.75 GPA. Layla is deeply immersed in her craft as a percussionist in both the Marching and Concert TTU Bands and a member of the percussion ensembles. She also participates actively in TTU's upper-level choir, Chorale, where she shares her love of singing.

Layla is set to graduate with a degree in Music Education, focusing on instrumental music, with an additional licensure in vocal music education. As a female percussionist in a traditionally male-dominated field, Layla understands the challenges that come with breaking barriers and is passionate about advocating for more inclusive and supportive spaces for women in music.

Raised in a small town in Tennessee, Layla credits the strong women in her life—her mother and grandmother—for shaping her into the determined and vocal advocate she is today. Their influence drives her to speak up, stand strong, and pursue her goals purposefully.

Layla is dedicated to building a sense of community, particularly in small towns where opportunities for women in music are limited. She aims to create a safe, empowering environment for women in the arts, fostering both personal growth and collective strength in rural communities.

Layla is excited to work alongside her friend Evelyn and the SWIMS organization to help create an impactful event for the community surrounding the Upper Cumberland region and beyond. She is incredibly grateful to Mya, Kacee, and the entire SWIMS team for the opportunity to be part of this exciting and meaningful endeavor.

Evelyn is a dedicated percussionist and aspiring educator pursuing a degree in Music Education at Tennessee Tech University. She began her musical journey at age 10 and quickly developed a deep appreciation for percussion, drawn to its technical precision and expressive potential. Over the years, she has honed her skills in a wide range of percussion instruments and techniques, striving for excellence in both performance and teaching. 

As a junior at Tennessee Tech, Evelyn studies under esteemed percussion educators Jayce Clemons and Dr. Colin Hill. She has been actively involved in Tennessee Tech’s Concert and Symphonic Bands and the Golden Eagle Marching Band, gaining valuable experience in concert and marching percussion. These ensembles have allowed her to collaborate with talented musicians, perform diverse repertoires, and develop a strong sense of leadership within the music community. 

Growing up in a small town in the Upper Cumberland, Evelyn understands the challenges and opportunities of pursuing a career in music, particularly for women in the field. She is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive spaces for women in instrumental music, ensuring that the next generation of musicians feels empowered to pursue their goals with confidence. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, she hopes to inspire young musicians to embrace their potential and make meaningful contributions to the world of music. 

Evelyn’s mission as an educator extends beyond teaching technique—she strives to instill resilience, creativity, and a lifelong love for music in her students. With a strong belief in the power of community, she is dedicated to fostering connections between current music education students and professional educators to promote growth, collaboration, and shared knowledge. 

As she continues her journey in music education, Evelyn remains committed to breaking barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and ensuring that all musicians have the opportunity to thrive in a welcoming and inspiring environment.