The passion Gartman keeps in her guitar case

BY MACKENZIE JOHNSON

Managing Editor

Not everyone is born with a passion. 

True ambition for a certain area doesn’t fill the lives of everyone from the get-go; it’s often shaped through life experiences. However, a small portion of people are blessed enough to have a passion that’s always been present.

Even more rare is when someone has more than one of these aspirations to balance. 

Tarleton student Gracie Gartman is one of these lucky individuals. 

Now a college sophomore from Winters, Texas, Gartman has harbored a love of music since childhood. 

“I’ve been told by my parents that I was singing before I could form words,” Gartman said. “My mom, dad, both brothers and I are all singers and know at least one instrument. So, I guess you could say it’s in my genes.” 

Undoubtedly in her genes, that shared appreciation for music among her family and the opportunity to consistently sing at church while growing up helped build Gartman into the confident singer she is today – the type of singer who thrives on a stage. 

“I perform live at local venues such as Fuzzy’s in Stephenville and venues in Miles, Blackwell, Winters and Ballinger, Texas,” Gartman said. “When performing in public, I mostly do cover songs but I’ll throw in some originals as well.”

Gartman’s most prized original is a song titled “Feel the Same,” released in 2022 and out on all streaming platforms. 

“My favorite accomplishment is my song “Feel the Same,” Gartman said. “The process of writing, recording and hearing it on the radio for the first time was an amazing experience. Hearing my friends turn it on in the car and sing every word warms my heart and makes me feel so loved.” 

The friendships Gartman has crafted at Tarleton play a large role in keeping her passion alive and booming. 

“I have met so many amazing people and made so many friends in Stephenville—most who attend Tarleton—while singing at Fuzzy’s and in the dorms with my roommates and our friends,” Gartman said. “I have also met a few other artists that are so fun, and we have fun singing and writing music together. I don’t know where I’d be without my friends here at Tarleton.”

For Gartman, much like the feel of a guitar in her hand, Tarleton was a fit that just felt right.

“Tarleton was the only school I applied for,” Gartman said. “I knew the moment I toured the campus my junior year of high school that this is my home. The campus is beautiful, and the education is good, yes, but the people are what sold me.” 

Being surrounded by inspiring people is not just crucial to musicians, but for everyone. From the perspective of Gartman, music is the best way to connect with these inspiring individuals. 

“Music is my unwavering escape from reality where I am able to feel the emotions of others, create or tell my own stories and just get lost in the melody,” Gartman said. “It’s my way to process how I’m feeling and relate to the experiences of others. It helps me to realize that everyone has hardships and challenges in life, but it also reminds me that there is so much good.”

Gartman’s passion for music runs deep, but it's one she prefers to keep more localized and within reach of those closest to her.

“It is not a dream of mine to be famous,” Gartman said. “I rather enjoy being able to go to the grocery store without being bombarded by fans. Instead, I like to share my music with friends, family and local people who enjoy listening and being a part of the experience.”

Alongside music, Gartman has a few other passions held close to her heart. 

“God is a huge priority in my life,” Gartman said. “Knowing that I was so intricately created, loved and died for fills my heart. My family is also very important to me, and my future is another priority of mine – both in the career and future family aspect. Doing what I love while being a part of a family I love is my biggest dream of all.”

Gartman strives to keep all of these dreams at the forefront of her mind and daily life. 

“I try to combine passion and responsibility,” Gartman said. “I listen to music while I walk to class, study and do homework quite often. My main goal in life is to be happy and healthy, so while I am doing school work, taking care of my dog, keeping my living space clean and maintaining relationships with loved ones, I also put aside time for myself and my creative process.”

It’s easy to see that Gartman's life is packed full of interests, but music may just serve as the very glue that keeps those passions—and the people connected to them—bundled up tight.

“Music brings people together,” Gartman said. “It’s a cliché, I know, but it’s true. When my family gets together, my parents always beg us to sing a few songs. Something about the blend of voices and the stories that music tells has a way of making you realize you’re never truly alone in your struggles or your joy.”

As cliché as it may sound, that feeling of camaraderie music instills upon its subjects is one that will always keep Gartman’s mic on and guitar pick in hand. 

And although she doesn’t necessarily hold the love of music higher than her other ambitions, the passion kept within her guitar case is one she will always view in high regard – no matter where it takes her.