BAM Spotlight | April & May 2024

BRADLEY AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC

Meet the New Ambassadors

Bradley Ambassadors of Music Vote In New Members for Next School Year

Earlier this semester, the active members of BAM held a formal election to welcome new ambassadors into the organization.

Please join us in welcoming music students Sarah Arseneau, Zoe Agrimonti, and Kenzie Puckett as newly appointed Bradley Music Ambassadors!

While we are happy to see our organization grow, we’d like to thank our outgoing senior members, Xavier Chapman, Carlos Lalonde, and Jonah Sendlin for their contributions to the music department.

Members of BAM (Fall 2023)

BRADLEY U MUSIC

Bradley Symphonic Band

A Sign of Spring

WELL OVER TWO DOZEN CONCERTS AND RECITALS HELD THIS APRIL AND MAY

BRADLEY U MUSIC

Bradley Does Broadway April 12, 2024

Student Feature

Seth Metcalfe

MEET THE STUDENT

Seth Metcalfe is a senior music and psychology double major, with emphases in piano and neuroscience respectively.He was born and raised in England,but he has been living in central Illinois since 2010.

His neuroscience research has included a project on top-down processing in the musical domain in a unique illusory context.His senior and honors thesis has looked at attentional biases to alcohol related cues as a function of drinking status, using electroencephalographyaswellasbehavioralparadigmstomeasurethesebiases.Hehas presented his research at the Student Scholarship Expo, the Honors Colloquium, Celebrate Psychology, the ISMTA Annual Conference, and the Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA).He also has an upcoming presentation at the Society for Neuroscience (SFN) in October.

In 2023, Seth performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue as the soloist with the Bradley SymphonicWinds.HismusicalachievementshavebeenrecognizedwiththeClemenceau Music Scholarship, the Howard Neumiller Music Scholarship, the Dr. Edward Kaizer AnnualAward,and the Iris StubblefieldAward.He has studied under the musical tutelage of Dr. Chee Hyeon Choi, Dr.Ji Hyun Kim, and Dr. Lynnsey Lambrecht.

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

• The Interdisciplinary Award for an Undergraduate Student in Research

• Howard Neumiller Music Scholarship

• Dr. Carl E. Smith Award

• Dr. Edward Kaizer Annual Award

• Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research and Creative Projects Summer Fellowship Award

INVOLVED IN

• Attention Motivation and Perception Lab

• Piano Studio

• Composition Studio

• Percussion Ensemble

• Symphonic Winds

• Honors Program

GET IN CONTACT

seth1104metcalfe@gmail.com (309) 418-5302

Seth Metcalfe / Music and Psychology Class of 2024

HOW HAS BRADLEY IMPACTED YOU AS A MUSICIAN?

At Bradley,I have been able to accomplish so much more than I ever could have imagined in my musicality, academics, and performance. With constant performance opportunities, I have felt my presence and comfort on stage improve dramatically these last four years. Additionally, the high quality education in theory,composition,and history has provided me with greater appreciation for and understanding of music that has permeated my personal style and abilities. My individual lessons with Dr. Choi and Dr. Kim have been some of the most impactful experiences at Bradley; I am so thankful for their guidance, skill, and investment.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER BRADLEY?

After graduating, I plan to pursue a career in research and/or professorship in neuroscience. My immediate plans include post-bacc research and continued development of laboratory skills. Eventually, this will lead to pursuing graduate school in neuroscience. The opportunities I have had at Bradley have already allowed me to present my research on both state and national levels, and hope that I can work toward presenting internationally as well. Wherever I end up, I have no intention of quitting piano and will continue to look for opportunities to grow and perform in whatever capacity I am able.

Alumni Feature Marc Gaskin Jr

MEET THE ALUMNI

Graduated in Spring 2022

From Bettendorf, Iowa

Involved in Symphonic Winds and Jazz Ensemble

Currently works at Pleasant Valley High School teaching instrumental music

“One of my biggest highlights is getting to teach and play in my community every day!”

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

Take a Hint!

HERE’S OUR TOP ADVICE TO FELLOW MUSIC STUDENTS FROM OUR VERY OWN AMBASSADORS

“At music school, getting involved is key! You can be the best musician in the world, but if you’re not putting yourself in situations to showcase your talent and who you are, you won’t get anything from it. As you get more involved, continue to treat people with respect and kindness, and make sure to stay organized and timely by utilizing a calendar, practice lists, or whatever else you’d prefer to use.”

Grant Heinberg Music , Mechanical Engineering ‘25

“If you’re on the fence about trying a new ensemble, do not be afraid! Sometimes, you might discover a new friend or even unveil a newfound love/passion for the ensemble that you didn't realize was within you.”

“Be punctual and professional, and don't expect yourself to remember every little thing. Let Google Calendar be your best friend! You can enter your class schedule, work schedule, practice times, performances, and even homework.”

Bailey Gordon Music Education ‘26

“Don't compare your music journey with the people around you! Everyone is at a different spot in their education, and we all have our own strengths and weaknesses. We should always be learning from others, and celebrating each others successes, instead of dwelling on our failures! “

Caroline Burmahl Music Education ‘25

Andrew Gordon Music Education ‘25

“The students around you are all here for the same reason. Get to know each and every person in this department because those musical connections could take you places you would never have dreamed!”

“Continue to do things that you're passionate about. The more you could incorporate what you are passionate in the more you are going to enjoy the things you do.”

Xavier Chapman Music Composition ‘24

Jonah Sendlin Music Composition ‘24

“Enjoy the gift of making music every day. We get so caught up in the stress of grades, homework, and exams that we forget the whole reason we are here is because we love music. You don't realize it until you're almost done, but making music this good is sometimes a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“Make the most of the time you have here. There's so many opportunities to advance your music that you won't get anywhere else. Take advantage of them!”

Mack Davis Music Composition ‘25

Rory Leverton Music Education ‘25

My advice for Bradley music students is to get involved. You will meet so many inspiring people that will push you to become the best version of yourself. I've met so many amazing people in the department that have helped me foster relationships in the professional world, which has lead me to opportunities that I would have never imagined for myself.

Katie O’Flynn Music Business (Marketing Minor) ‘25

Department News

MESSAGE FROM ASSOCIATE CHAIR

Spring is always a bittersweet time for a college music department. While it is an extremely busy time for performances, it is also the time to begin to say goodbye to our seniors as they embark on new adventures and careers. This spring we held thirty-six ensemble and recital performances just in Dingeldine Music Center and countless others around our community. Witnessing so many senior recitals means that we will soon be losing their smiling faces from the Constance Hall lounge, only to be replaced next fall with a new cohort of young musicians ready to begin their journey at Bradley. Good luck to all who are graduating. You are always welcome back to campus. Bravo!

- Carl Anderson, associate chair

WHERE YOU RESONATE

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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 president directly at amgordon@mail.bradley.edu

MUSIC DEPT.