Name: Bridget Olenik (Leahy)
Major at ISU: BM Percussion Performance
Graduation Year: 2011
Hometown: Delafield, WI
Current Residence: Newport News, VA
What were you involved in during your time at ISU:
I took part in the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Groove Drumline, and Sigma Alpha Iota.
What do you currently do for a living:
I am a Percussionist in the Army TRADOC Band (Army Training and Doctrine Headquarters) at Ft. Eustis.
Can you share a particularly interesting or inspiring story that occurred in your career?
The Army Bands, because of what they represent, are put in unique performance opportunities that you rarely see in the “real world”. But they are so cool. One of the more notable performances I’ve done so far has been a side-by-side military appreciation concert with members of the regional Army Band, Army National Guard Band, Air Force Band, and the St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall. Another memorable experience was performing the national anthem behind home plate for the St. Louis Cardinals wildcard game.
Are there other ways that you participate in your community and/or hot to engage as a Citizen Artist?
I am eager to assist in volunteer operations as a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, an Army organization focused on community outreach and volunteering. As a musician, I have played in a couple of groups as needed. For complete and absolute fun, I’ve played in three different Tuba Christmases!
How did your time at ISU prepare you for your career?
Iowa State’s music school, by comparison, is pretty small. The benefit of that is I had many opportunities available to me. I was able to perform with the band, orchestra, and choral programs, take lessons from various faculty, perform with professional organizations, and conduct our top ensembles, while also being allowed to screw up once or twice. Because of the connections at the school, I was also consistently employed with area schools as a drum tech and the Des Moines Community Theater as a percussionist, rounding out my skillset. I learned a lot under a protective and watchful environment, allowing me to fail safely with a chance to reflect and learn.
What was your favorite class while you were at ISU? Why?
Most of my favorite experiences come from participating in both the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. My favorite class, however, was the independent conducting study I was able to do with both ensemble directors. Dr. Harrison and Dr. Golemo were incredible resources and models to learn from and work with, and to this day are sources of inspiration and support. The opportunities I had to conduct the ensembles at ISU under their tutelage are among my favorite memories.
How was your involvement in music and theatre beneficial in different parts of your life?
I have firsthand seen the impact of music on students, families, veterans, and members of my community. It allows your audience to tap into memories, thoughts, and feelings they otherwise might ignore or repress. Music has granted me many friendships, career opportunities, and connections I would not have made for myself otherwise. It is such a part of the human experience, and I cannot imagine how my life would look without it.
Any words of wisdom for current or prospective students?
Where I am now, and how I got here, are completely different than what I thought it’d look like when I was a student at ISU. If I had the wisdom to share, it would be this: take every opportunity that is given to you while you’re in school. Learn every new skill you can, try the ballroom dance club, and stay up late sharing dreams with your classmates. All of those experiences make up who you are and who you will become, and will enrich your depth of knowledge. It will also help you adapt to whatever your success will look like. I learned through trial and error what success looked like to me. Some trials worked well, while some did not. But I found my purpose in the meantime.
Is there anything that you would like to share?
I was exactly where I needed to be when I needed to be there when I was at Iowa State. I had great support from my faculty, even when I didn’t realize it. I am forever thankful for my time in Ames and appreciate the opportunity to share my story.