Hobbies and interests
Cooking
Baking
Jewelry Making
Collecting
Psychology
Walking
Running
Movies And Film
Concerts
Education
Music
Music Production
Orchestra
Reading
Music
Academic
Biography
Classics
Cookbooks
Literature
Novels
I read books multiple times per week
Catie Brenmark
3,595
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
FinalistCatie Brenmark
3,595
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
FinalistBio
My name is Catie, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, where I study with Peter Kolkay. I am involved in ensembles and organizations such as the VU Orchestra, VU Wind Symphony, the Vanderbilt New Music Society, and the Kleine Wind Quintet. My ultimate career goal is multifaceted: I want to play orchestral and chamber music and teach younger bassoonists. At Vanderbilt, I am pursuing a minor in psychology, which I believe will help me better understand and work with my students. Outside of Vanderbilt, I have explored my passion for ensemble playing through attending various summer music festivals.
I am particularly interested in combining music technology with performance, which has led me to produce numerous projects featuring multitrack recording and electroacoustic live performance. In 2023, I received Blair’s Dave Darlington Award for Outstanding Creative Work in Music Technology. Earlier this summer, I attended the Mostly Modern Festival and served as a Faculty Mentor for Vanderbilt's MusicTech program. My role as a Faculty Mentor helped build my confidence and skills as a teacher to empower students to create their own music with technology.
I am originally from Plainfield, Illinois, where I began learning bassoon in the sixth grade. When I'm not playing bassoon or working on a project, I love baking, going on walks, and watching movies. Whether it be performing, teaching, or even baking, my goal is to share meaningful experiences with the people around me.
Education
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Music
Minors:
- Psychology, General
GPA:
4
Plainfield East High School
High SchoolGPA:
4
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Music
Career
Dream career field:
Music
Dream career goals:
Orchestral Musician and Professor
Music Technology Lab Monitor
Vanderbilt University2024 – Present11 monthsAssistant Orchestral Librarian
Vanderbilt University2023 – Present1 yearFaculty Mentor
Vanderbilt University - MusicTech2024 – 2024Cook
Nancy's Pizzeria2020 – 20211 year
Arts
The Kleine Wind Quintet
Music2022 – PresentVanderbilt University Orchestra and Wind Symphony
Music2022 – PresentAkropolis Chamber Music Institute
Music2024 – 2024Mostly Modern Festival
Music2024 – 2024Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival
Music2023 – 2023Bay View Music Festival Wind Institute
Music2023 – 2023Kinhaven Young Artist Seminar
Music2023 – 2023Madeline Island Seminar for Advanced Wind Chamber Music
Music2022 – 2022Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra
Music2019 – 2022Plainfield East High School Music Department
TheatreBeauty and the Beast , Les Mis Concert Recital, Cinderella2019 – 2022Plainfield East High School Bands
MusicWind Ensemble, Pep Band, Jazz Band2018 – 2022Plainfield East High School Marching Band
Music2018 – 2021Illinois Music Educators Association
MusicDistrict 9 Honor Band ('18, '19), District 9 Honor Orchestra, Principal Bassoonist ('20, '21), All State Honor Band ('20), All State Honor Orchestra ('21), All State Honor Orchestra, Principal Bassoonist ('22)2018 – 2022Birch Creek Summer Music Academy
MusicBirch Creek Symphony2019 – 2022Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra
Music2018 – 2019Honor Band of America 2020
Music2020 – 2020
Public services
Volunteering
ILMEA District 9 Junior Festival — Rehearsal Monitor2021 – 2021Volunteering
Plainfield Middle School Band and Choir Festival — Host2019 – 2019Volunteering
John F. Kennedy Middle School — Woodwind Camp Assistant2016 – 2018