OF NOTE
Eras across the Eras
YOU KNOW HER. Maybe you’ve exchanged bracelets at one of her record-setting concerts. Maybe you’ve watched the fan theories online (and written some of your own). Whether you’re singing her songs in the car or passing her face on magazine stands, you know Taylor Swift. Her music—earnestly written and deeply relatable—touches on every part of the human experience, making her voice the backdrop of many people’s lives. And whether they’re from the class of 2037 or 1982, Principians of all eras have been celebrating her eras—dancing to 1989, singing to Midnights, and road-tripping to Red. We asked our Swifties to weigh in on the hype and they did, headfirst, fearless. Read about their favorite eras and see pictures from their time dancing with Taylor at her Eras Tour—sometimes in a storm; always in their best dress.
“Reputation—I can’t wait for Taylor’s Version! [The album’s message is to] never let what others do/say keep you down or change your course.”
—Sarah Beckwith (Parent of Upper School 2023 graduate)
“I like Enchanted [from Speak Now] because it goes, ‘It was enchanting to meet youuuuuu.”
—Ava (Principia Preschooler)
“I’m a big Lover guy. It has an upbeat, romantic, and colorful vibe and explores a range of emotions and experiences.”
—Kendall Shoemake (C’15)
“I brought my daughter to the 1989 tour in Eagles stadium and happened to meet the one other dad who was there!”
—Andy Hooper (US’90)
“The Folklore and Evermore eras (which I’m convinced were one long era) were such a perfect moment of rediscovery of Taylor’s true songwriting power.”
—Emily Ellet (C’08)
“I love 1989 because it’s what I grew up listening to.”
—Karen Trevor-Roberts (C’25)
“Reputation is my favorite because the bangers of the album hit so hard!”
—Bailey Mcleod-Bischoff (C’25)
“My favorite era is [her] debut [album] because it takes me back to the beginning of middle school. I absolutely loved the Our Song music video and have memories of watching it with friends in the middle school hallway at Principia! ”
—Meredith Hamilton (US’13, C’17)
“Reputation will always be my favorite Taylor Swift album. My oldest daughter and I went to see the Reputation tour with her besties and their moms. Best mother-daughter time!! I love the song 'Delicate'. ”
—Missy (Pickett) D’Agostino (US’90)
“For me it’s 1989, because I was able take my daughter to see her concert and we both could sing all the songs! We just saw her again on The Eras Tour and it was life-changing! We were still sparkling and glowing for weeks after!”
—Melissa (Meyers) Donahue (US’90)
The Distel sisters, Marianna (Distel) Hibbeler (US’09, C’13) and Laura (Distel) Long (C’07) are ultimate Swifties, attending seven Taylor Swift concerts through the years, including The Eras Tour at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey.
Meredith Hamilton (US’13, C’17) attending the LA show with her boyfriend, dressed for the “Lover Era.”
Bailey McLeod-Bischoff (C’17) and sister Brynne attending The Eras Tour in Minnesota.
Emma Coyne (US’16) and Sorell Grow (US’16) collect friendship bracelets at the Eras concert in London.
