BAM Spotlight | November 2023 Issue

BRADLEY AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC

Spotlight IN THIS ISSUE Meet our team of Bradley Ambassadors of Music Page 4 Learn about our new Music for Video Games Major Page 29

November 2023 Issue The student-run newsletter for the Music Department at Bradley University

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Contents

BRADLEY AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC

What is BAM?

4

Student Feature

8

Faculty Feature

12

Alumni Feature

18

Department News

20

Campus Candids

22

Music for the Screens

26

Upcoming Events

32

MUSIC AT BRADLEY

Jonah Sendlin, President Caroline Burmahl, Vice President Xavier Chapman, Secretary Katie O’Flynn, Social Media Coordinator Patrick Sheeley, Talent Coordinator Andy Gordon Rory Leverton Carlos Lalonde Mack Davis Harper Shaw Cale Roberts Bailey Gordon Grant Heinberg Carl Anderson, Faculty Advisor Dr. Todd Kelly, Faculty Advisor

@bradleyumusic

@bradleyumusic

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: CARLOS LALONDE ‘24 / B.M. COMPOSITION

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MUSIC AT BRADLEY | 3

What is BAM?

Percussion Ensemble Concert / September 2023 Peggy Bonner, director

WHO WE ARE BAM (Bradley Ambassadors of Music) is a student organization run within the music department at Bradley University. We act a liaison between faculty and students, assisting with departmental functions like music visit days, audition days, and more. Essentially, BAM is the student face of the music department.

Consisting of thirteen nominated students by the department chair, BAM students represent the highest standards of musicianship and leadership within the department of music.

If you have any questions relating to student life or being a successful music student, don’t hesitate to talk to our wonderful team of ambassadors.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED If you’d like to join BAM, we are seeking a select few exemplary students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors and positions are appointed on a yearly basis per discretion of the department chair.

Please contact our talent coordinator, Patrick, with any questions about joining BAM.

EXECUTIVE TEAM Jonah Sendlin, President - jsendlin@mail.bradley.edu Caroline Burmahl, Vice President - cburmahl@mail.bradley.edu Xavier Chapman, Secretary - xchapman@mail.bradley.edu Katie O’Flynn, Social Media Coordinator - koflynn@mail.bradley.edu Patrick Sheeley, Talent Coordinator - psheeley@mail.bradley.edu

Current BAM Members | Fall 2023 @bradleyumusic

@bradleyumusic

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WHAT IS BAM? | 5

Percussion Ensemble Concert / November 2023 Peggy Bonner, director

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WHAT IS BAM? | 7

Student Feature

Jonah Sendlin

Jonah Sendlin / B.M. Composition Class of 2024

MEET THE STUDENT Jonah Sendlin is a senior composition major from Skokie, Illinois. As a performer, he has played the electric bass for eight years. During that time, Jonah played with several award-winning vocal jazz groups, jazz bands, and pit orchestras. He also has worked alongside local Peorian bands such as JC and the Redemption and world-class professional musicians including Marshall Gilkes, Byron Stripling, and Victor Wooten.

As a percussionist of thirteen years, Jonah has performed with an array of concert bands including the Peoria Municipal Band and, as principal percussionist, the CBDNA national small-band-program band under the direction of Dr. John Locke.

As a composer, Jonah has a broad portfolio of music ranging from musical theater to full orchestra, to chamber music. With this range of experience, his current focus is his jazz band and percussion ensemble works.

During his time at Bradley, Jonah has additionally collaborated with the game design department for three years scoring original soundtracks for video games of senior and master students’ Capstone projects.

Jonah has premiered many compositions at Bradley and has premiered works at the Illinois Music Educators Conference, and with the Heartland Festival Orchestra in Peoria, Illinois.

INVOLVED IN

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

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Symphonic Winds

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Jazz Band

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Hilltop Combo

Concerto-Aria Competition Winner first person to win with an original composition

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Percussion Ensemble

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Basketball Band

First student to have a composition premiered by a professional orchestra

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Bradley Symphony Orchestra

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Bradley Chorale

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Bradley Does Broadway

Selected as principal percussionist for the CBDNA national small-bandprogram band

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Concerto-Aria Competition Winner

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Presser Scholar

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IM Video game Collaboration

GET IN CONTACT

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Phone Number: 224-500-7686

Music Instagram: @sendlinmusic

Email: jsendlin@gmail.com

TikTok: @fullsendlin

Personal Instagram: @j.sendlin

YouTube: sendlinmusic

STUDENT FEATURE | 9

HOW HAS BRADLEY IMPACTED YOU AS A MUSICIAN? My time at Bradley University has taught me many things as both a musician and a student.

Beyond learning musical techniques to strengthen my performance and composition, I’ve learned to be grateful for the incredible opportunities I’ve been so fortunate to have gotten, I’ve learned an extraordinary amount of professionalism and what it means to be a professional in the industry, I’ve learned patience and how to trust the process, but most importantly, I’ve learned about all the wonderful and meaningful connections that I’ve made in these years and just how important they will be for me in the years to come.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER BRADLEY? After Bradley, I would love to continue my output with music. After creating my official website, I’ll turn to getting my works published and played outside of the greater Peoria area.

In the short term, I will stay local to continue to build the compositional and performance reputations I have created since coming to Bradley. In the long term, I hope my career takes me to either coast, ideally New York or Los Angeles, to continue my musical career in alongside some of the best in the game.

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STUDENT FEATURE | 11

Faculty Feature

Mark De Zwaan COURSES

EDUCATION

Applied Piano

Doctor of Music (DM) in Piano Performance and Literature—Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Piano for Adult Beginners Music in Its Historical Perspective III Music in Its Historical Perspective IV Western Music to 1750 Western Music from 1750 Music Theory III Music Theory IV Counterpoint Advanced Ear-Training and Sight Singing I Advanced Ear-Training and Sight Singing II Introduction to Music Technology

Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science—Georgia Institute of Technology Performer’s Diploma (PD) in Piano—Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Master of Music (MM) in Piano; Minor in Computer Science—Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Bachelor of Science (BS) in Recording Arts; Minor in Computer Science—Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

Intermediate Music Technology

Bachelor of Music (BM) in Piano—Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

GET IN CONTACT

MEET THE FACULTY A musician of wide range and versatility, American pianist Dr. Mark De Zwaan has captivated listeners internationally with his pathos and explosive virtuosity. He has been featured as a solo artist across the United States and China, including appearances on series such as The Silvermine Artist Series, The Steinway Sessions, and January Jazz, and at venues such as the Steinway Gallery in Hangzhou, the Steinway Pacific Headquarters in Shanghai, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum in his locale of Peoria, IL. His affinity for the repertoire of Franz Liszt has made the composer a mainstay of De Zwaan’s programs and lectures and has inspired his lifetime association with the American Liszt Society.

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He has engaged with advancing musicians across the globe as a classical masterclass artist and as a judge in competitions from Luckenwalde, Germany to Charleston, Illinois. De Zwaan is also an experienced jazz performer and teacher and has extensive background in computer science and the recording arts. He regularly adjudicates for Computer-Music and Electronic-Dance-Music categories at ILMEA and was appointed as the 2024 ILMEA Composition Mentor in Music Production. De Zwaan is proud to serve as an Assistant Professor for the Bradley Department of Music where he is a devoted instructor of courses across the music curriculum.

Featured Solo Artist: Beacon Hill Classical Music Series, Beacon Hill Auditorium, Grands Rapids, MI

Constance Hall 223 mdezwaan@bradley.edu

FACULTY FEATURE | 13

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BRADLEY MUSIC? That’s easy: the PEOPLE! I’ve said it before with respect to Bradley Music, and I will say it again: the students, staff, and faculty are world class human beings, and this is such a brilliant aspect of what we are. The environment is wildly encouraging and supportive, resulting in a unique, communal attitude that pervades our entire department. I am proud to be at an institution where each and every person is devoted to enriching the experiences of those around them. Bradley Music is all about being that place where you resonate—it’s not a gimmick, it’s a way of life.

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FACULTY FEATURE | 15

Opera Workshop Dr. Miracle Amah, director

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FACULTY FEATURE | 17

Alumni Feature ABIGAIL RAKOCY ‘05

NIKKI FRANK ‘04

Based in Wheeling, IL

Based in Aurora, IL

Studied broadcast communications, minor in vocal music

Studied theatre Involved in chorale, symphonic band, winds, beginning and intermediate jazz band

Involved in chorale and madrigals, community chorus

Manage operations at remote tech start company

Just started McCormick’s (manufactures all marching band needs) and stage manages musicals

Just bought first house

“Find way to keep music in your life, doesn’t have to be in a traditional sense.”

“Enjoy the opportunities you have right now.

They dwindle out of school very quickly.“

Social Media - @queenyOfHarts

@nikkimariefrank

SUSAN GOLDBERG ‘81 Based in Rockford, IL Studied business management Involved in chorale, local church choir Lawyer for 33 years Currently sings in a choral ensemble in Rockford, church choir, and musicals

Want to share your experiences as an alumni, or support the Bradley Music Department?

Contact the BAM social media committee at koflynn@mail.bradley.edu

Audiobook narrator and voice actor “Follow your passion, allow yourself to discover new aspects of your own.”

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ALUMNI FEATURE | 19

UPCOMING CONCERTS AND EVENTS •

New Music Concert

Nov. 20, 2023 @ 7:30pm / Dingeldine Music Center

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Hilltop Combo Concert

Nov. 28, 2023 @ 7:30pm / Dingeldine Music Center

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Chorale and Chamber Winds Holiday Concert

Dec. 1, 2023 @7:30pm / First Federated Church

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Chamber Music Concert

Dec. 2, 2023 @3:00pm / Dingeldine Music Center

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Bradley Jazz Ensemble Concert

Dec. 2, 2023 @7:30pm / Dingeldine Music Center

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Bradley Piano Studio Recital

Dec. 4, 2023 @3:00pm / Dingeldine Music Center

MESSAGE FROM DEPARTMENT CHAIR Thank you for reading our first Music Department Newsletter, produced by our incredible Bradley Ambassadors of Music! These are exciting times for our Music Department, with new academic programs and many great performances by our students and faculty.

I would especially like to draw your attention to our new Music for Video Games major, a collaboration between our Music Composition and Game Design programs.

Dr. Todd Kelly Chair, Department of Music

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We are also adding new minors in Music Industry, Jazz Studies, and Musical Theater. If you would like to learn more about music happenings at Bradley, please visit our website at http://www.bradley.edu/ music.

You can also use our Music Engagement tool by texting the word Music to 309-435-0631. Thank you for supporting our incredible music students and faculty at Bradley, and we hope to see you at a concert soon!

WHERE YOU RESONATE

Department News

Symphonic Winds Dr. Darrell Brown, director

IMPORTANT DATES

IMPORTANT INFO

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PPP - Monday, Nov. 20th (CON 113)

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PPP - Monday, Nov. 27th (CON 113)

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BIG LAB - Friday, Dec. 1st

Keep an eye out for jury sheet sign-ups in the Constance lounge in the coming weeks! You can sign up for a slot once they’re posted.

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BIG LAB - Monday, Dec. 4th

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Voice Juries - Thursday, Dec. 7th (DMC)

Check your class syllabi for your final exam times, they may meet at different times than you’re used to.

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Woodwind Juries - Friday, Dec. 8th (DMC)

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Brass & Percussion Juries - Saturday, Dec. 9th (DMC)

Make sure you’re on track to attend your required seven concerts for the semester. Contact John Hootman for questions at jhootman@bradley.edu.

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String Juries - Monday, Dec. 11th (DMC)

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Are you a first-year music student? Send in your freshman spotlight information to Patrick Sheeley at psheeley@mail. bradley.edu for your own social media feature on the @bradleyumusic Instagram!

THANKSGIVING BREAK NOV. 22 STUDY DAY DEC. 6 LAST DAY OF FINALS DEC. 13 DEPARTMENT NEWS | 21

Campus Candids

Xavier Chapman B.M. Composition Class of 2024

Andy Gordon (right) / B.M. Music Education ‘25 Bailey Gordon (left) / B.M. Music Education ‘26

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Clara Degenhart B.M. Composition ‘27

CAMPUS CANDIDS | 23

BRADLEY MUSIC DEPT.

Adam Kunath B.S. Music Class of 2024

Rory Leverton B.M. Music Education Class of 2025

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George Illes B.A Music performance Major Class of 2027

BRADLEY MUSIC DEPT. | 25

Music for the Screens

BRADLEY COMPOSITION STUDIO PRESENTS

FIRST OF ITS KIND CONCERT SEES GREAT SUCCESS The composition studio hosted the first Music for the Screens concert featuring six student compositions that were soundtracks for video games and short films. All of the projects were very successful with each student's unique voice shining through music. This exciting concert was held in Marty Theatre on campus which provided a very unique venue for the premieres of the students' media projects.

Top: Scott Berry, Xavier Chapman Middle: Ange Bass, Harper Shaw Bottom: Tierra Golden, Sean Crawford

F

c i s u M

S E H T R O

S N E CRE

NOV 13, 2023 • 7:30PM MARTY THEATRE STUDENT CENTER, BRADLEY UNIVERSITY

FEATURING ORIGINAL MUSIC FROM: ANGE BASS SCOTT BERRY XAVIER CHAPMAN SEAN CRAWFORD TIERRA GOLDEN HARPER SHAW

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MUSIC FOR THE SCREENS | 27

Music for Video Games Major This fall marks the first year of offering a new degree program in the Department of Music: Music for Video Games.

This innovative degree program was proposed by Dr. Lynnsey Lambrecht, Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, and grew from an collaborative experience between the students of the music composition studio and the game design program in the Department of Interactive Media.

Music for the Screens Concert Nov. 13th, 2023 Marty Theatre

Student composers have been collaborating with student game designers to create the soundtracks for their capstone game design projects for the past five years.

The Music for Video Games degree program expands on this collaboration with additional classes in music business, music technology, sound design, composition, and game design to prepare students for careers composing music for diverse media projects.

Dr. Lynnsey Lambrecht Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition Music for the Screens Concert Director

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MUSIC FOR THE SCREENS | 29

Bradley Jazz Ensemble Dr. Todd Kelly, director

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MUSIC FOR THE SCREENS | 31

NEW MUSIC CONCERT Delve into the realm of student creativity at our Composition Studio's New Music Concert. Join us at the Dingeldine Music Center for an evening showcasing the premieres of 13 student compositions.

These diverse pieces reflect the innovative spirit of our emerging composers.

Admission is free, offering a chance to support and witness the artistic growth of these talented students. Explore the evolving landscape of new music and be part of an event that celebrates the unique perspectives and expressions of our budding composers.

Monday, Nov. 20th 2023 7:30PM / Dingeldine Music Center

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COMPOSITION AT BRADLEY

Upcoming Events

Bradley Music Composition Studio Presents The

NEW

MUSIC

CONCERT

Nov. 20th, 2023 @7:30pm Dingeldine Music Center

Featuring Compositions from: Stephanie Ashton Mack Davis Allie Dean Clara Degenhart Griffin Drucker Andy Gordon Carlos Lalonde Rory Leverton Matthew Moorman Cale Roberts Jonah Sendlin Jared Taylor Jake Thomas

UPCOMING EVENTS | 33

Visit https://bradley.edu/music or contact Dr. Todd Kelly at tkelly@bradley.edu or Carl Anderson at canderson@bradley.edu

WANT TO SHARE YOUR STORY? Contact the BAM editorial team at clalonde@mail.bradley.edu

@bradleyumusic

@bradleyumusic

BRADLEY MUSIC DEPT.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Bradley Ambassadors of Music Spotlight / November 2023 Issue

Bradley University Department of Music / Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved.

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