My Music. My Story. Lindy Howard.

Words by Alexa Dickerhoof

“You don’t look like a theatre kid or that you’re involved in music.” This is a quote Lindy Howard has been hearing for most of her life. Classical Music Indy sat down with Lindy to talk about her love of performing and how difficult it has been for her to show it. 

Lindy Howard is a bubbly, health science student at Butler University. In addition to her studies, she is involved in Greek life, a member of the Butler University Dance Marathon’s executive program, and loves anything related to health and fitness. She adores being around positive people and is passionate about helping others in her community. Although she is involved in many different activities, she actively tries to balance out her time by fitting music into her busy schedule. 

When meeting Lindy myself, I would have never imagined music had played such a major role in her life. I met Lindy while going through formal recruitment at Butler University. She stood out because of her sweet and friendly personality and we instantly became friends. One day, I heard Lindy singing in the car and told her how amazing she sounded. This moment revealed Lindy’s extensive background in the arts — uncovering how music and theater had shaped her life story.

I had gone months not knowing how much music and theater have impacted her life, but for as long as Lindy can remember, music has been a major influence. This love of music began when her Grammy introduced her to her first Broadway show, Phantom of the Opera. From there, she began singing and performing in middle and high school productions, playing the lead role in musicals such as Elle from Legally Blonde, Esmerelda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Sophie from Mamma Mia. Later, Lindy also participated in show choir.

Yet Lindy found herself feeling isolated from her musical identity as she transitioned into college. Upon meeting her, many see Lindy through a singular lens: the typical college sorority student. But Lindy has worked past these assumptions, learning not only how to integrate her love of music into her everyday life, but also learning to share that love of music with others. She is a member of “Freshly Brewed,” the premier female acapella ensemble at Butler University. With this group, Lindy gets to experience her love of performing while also sharing this passion with others on campus. Moving forward, Lindy is excited to use her joy for singing and performing as an escape from the limitations people place on her, using music as a catalyst for changing people’s perceptions.