Tuned In
Author: Carly N. / Editor: Ariana W. / Photographer: Nadya R.
Bridget G. is no stranger to the musical world. Bridget has been a part of FSU’s Acappella group, The AcaBellas, since she arrived at college. She recalls her time with the AcaBellas as extremely rewarding and memorable. Though Bridget is extremely passionate about music, her passion is far from limited to only music. In addition to the AcaBellas, She is also a proud sister of Chi Omega and an Academic Advisor for the College of Music here at FSU!
Bridget’s love of music can be traced all the way back to her early childhood. “I have loved music since before I could walk.” Bridget says, “I have been singing my entire life and my dad began to teach me the piano when I was around four or five years old.” Since being introduced to music, her passion has only grown. She has since expanded the variety of instruments she is trained to play to an impressively high number. In addition to this, Bridget signed with Central City Opera in Denver and sang opera professionally for 11 years before moving to continue her musical studies. Though she had been exposed to music her whole life, she wanted to study sports medicine up until she had her first conducting experience in her junior year of high school.
Bridget says, “To put it simply, I decided to major in music because I can't imagine myself doing anything else. Music is history, math, science, language arts, and foreign language, and also a form of expression, raw emotion, and the epitome of the human condition.”
Long before she joined the group for herself, Bridget first learned of The AcaBellas in 2013 when their cover of the song “Royals” by Lorde went viral on Musically (now called Tik Tok) and caught the attention of young Bridget. Later on, she recalls, “When I got into the FSU College of Music and was looking for groups to be involved in, I immediately recognized the AcaBellas and knew I had to audition.” Due to the pandemic, the auditions were held virtually which fostered Bridget's nerves. Eventually, after some convincing from her roommate, Bridget auditioned– and the rest is history. Joining the AcaBellas has provided her with musical opportunities, alongside leadership opportunities. In her first year with the group, Bridget served as the Assistant Marketing Director, where she helped promote the groups' EP, Phases. Currently, she holds a position as the group's Business Director/President for the second consecutive year.
After college, Bridget is currently striving to work for a non-profit music organization. She hopes to provide children who may be deprived of musical education otherwise, with said musical exposure. Bridget explains, “I want nothing more than to give young children the quality musical experiences that I had. Much of my accomplishments, passions, and drive stem from the people who nurtured me as a child, and I want to give back to the community that gave so much to me.” Her aspirations for her future are driven by her belief that everyone is entitled to quality musical education.
Bridget has carried her passion for music into her job working as a member of the Board of Advisors for the College of Music. She was inspired to become an Academic Advisor because of the Academic Advisor she was assigned to her Freshman year. “She was so comforting, helpful, and eased so much of my stress and worries about the transition to college as an out-of-state student who came to FSU without knowing a single person.” Bridget says. Recently, Bridget was promoted and she now holds a Coordinator position for the BOA program. The BOA program is a program offered by the College of Music that provides students with more personal, one-on-one advising. The responsibilities of this position include student teaching and working with new or prospective advisors.
Taking her job one step further, Bridget has offered free academic advising for all of her sisters. This past semester, she opened up her own office hours to give her sisters personal advice. Most recently, she attends Chi Omega’s Vice President’s office hours and helps anyone who comes in for help! Bridget was inspired to offer free academic advising because she wanted to help out her sisters in any way she can. She says, “I love working with my sisters because it not only allows me to learn more about FSU's many offerings and pathways but also gives me the chance to connect with my sisters in a very different way.” It is apparent that Bridget has helped her sisters grow academically with her advising advice.
In return for the advising and the overall support she’s given to her chapter, Bridget's sisters have given her endless encouragement. From asking Bridget to give them private concerts to attending her recitals, Bridget has received no lack of support from her sisters. She says, “They are more than supportive of my musical journey, and not only have interest in my world but want to be a part of it and learn about it.” Bridget’s passion for music has without a doubt exposed her sisters to the musical world, sharing its bright tune along the way.