June 25, 2012

These Women Can Handle Heavy Metal

These Women Can Handle Heavy Metal 1

Romain Blanquart for The Chronicle

Stephanie Frye at the International Women's Brass Conference, at Western Michigan U.: "I find myself often, now, seeking out other women to collaborate with. It's a less competitive atmosphere."

By Eric Kelderman

Kalamazoo, Mich.

In a practice room at Western Michigan University, Stephanie Frye is about to start her daily musical warm-up.

Ms. Frye, 26, studying for a doctorate in musical arts at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, is petite and athletic, about 5 feet 4 inches tall.