On a High Note

Scott Burdick, ’27, a vocal tenor and music education major from Gouverneur, N.Y., has embraced college by immersing himself in every part of campus life. Though he admits it can all be challenging, he credits the Hartwick community for keeping him grounded, calling it “a loving and thankful community.”

For Burdick, surrounding himself with a strong sense of community began early. At nine years old, he was introduced to his local church choir by family friend Lorraine Looney. Feeling instantly at home, the sense of community and passion encouraged Burdick to pursue his music career as a singer.

As he continued his musical career, not only did his skills grow, but so did his fan base!. Burdick described how his grandfather, one of his biggest supporters, was always there for his concerts. Sadly, his grandfather passed away just before Burdick’s senior year of high school, a loss that made it incredibly hard for him to even think about continuing his music career.

When considering Hartwick, Burdick again turned to his community for support and sought advice from his music teacher, Kristina Koonz, who taught at his middle school and high school. Koonz, a Hartwick alum who graduated in 2012, encouraged him to apply for the music program. Upon being accepted and arriving at Hartwick, Burdick credits the community for where he is now. “The community here had really brought me in,” he said and helped him overcome the loss of his grandfather.

Community continues to shape his musical journey. He has broadened his musical experience through his participation in multiple ensembles, including the choir, opera and musical theatre scenes, and the wind ensemble. And he is really looking forward to joining the brass ensemble in the spring semester. Burdick has also recently had the opportunity to perform with the Catskill Symphony at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, taking on a tenor solo in Schubert’s Mass No. 2 in G major, D. 167, in collaboration with SUNY Oneonta and their chorus.

If he wasn’t busy enough, Burdick is the vice president of entertainment for HCAB (Hartwick College Activities Board). In this role, Burdick helps set up events such as bringing hypnosis and comedian David Hall to campus or setting up big-prize bingo. Burdick is also a competitive player in the Marvel Rivals video game league for the College’s WICKed E-Sports club, which offers scholarships for students to play competitive video games.

On top of this, he has two jobs on campus. Although he works for the Office of Campus Vibrancy and College Events, occasionally helping out with Hartwick’s mascot, Swoop, he is most often seen at his second job at Table Rock Café, ensuring that the busy line of orders keeps moving smoothly. Table Rock offers convenience goods and late-night food service. Burdick said he loves preparing meals for students at the end of the day, especially after they’ve had a long day of college life. “I like being the stable part of the night that they can always count on,” he said.

Having experienced the positive influence of the Hartwick community, Burdick finds joy in giving back. He said the best part is seeing people laugh, have a great time at events and feel the sense of community that has been such a big part of his Hartwick experience.

Through encouragement and support, Zuleika shares their story as a non-music major.

Zuleika Mendoza ’27, from White Plains, New York, has had a change in tempo with their music journey since coming to Hartwick College.

Mendoza is a three-year double major in criminal justice and sociology with a minor in forensics. Although Mendoza is not a music major, they are actively engaged with the Music Department by participating in the flute choir and wind ensemble. They even created the first mariachi band on Oyaron Hill, drawing on their academic expertise, musical roots and heritage.

When Mendoza first came to campus, they said they were “nervous to explore the music department, especially as a freshman, being new to campus and not knowing anyone.” However, they were pleasantly surprised by Hartwick’s unique Music Department and its openness to non-music majors and particularly in bringing new genres of music to the campus community.

To expand Hispanic heritage on campus and drawing upon their experience of being part of the mariachi band in high school, Mendoza was encouraged to create one for Hartwick. For Mendoza, their favorite part about starting the mariachi band was meeting people they had never spoken to. “It was nice being able to form connections through music,” said Mendoza.

Mendoza’s connection to music started in elementary school, when they were given the choice between orchestra and band—a decision that would influence their future. In those early days, Mendoza’s main focus was the flute. And it has stuck with them, as they still play the flute and occasionally, the piccolo.

But Mendoza’s musical journey wasn’t without some twists and turns. During the transition from elementary to middle school, Mendoza considered quitting, but in middle school, they encountered three directors who encouraged them to continue. They said these directors were “awesome” and helped their musical ability and this encouragement allowed Mendoza to find their “voice with the flute.” In high school, they continued to receive more encouragement and guidance from directors. And it was this support that allowed Mendoza to crescendo their musical ability, improving their skills as a flutist and as a performer.

Mendoza offers this advice to future students who might be interested in Hartwick’s Music Department: “Don’t be shy. Be yourself. Be outgoing and you’ll meet new people.” And Mendoza’s story is just another example of how Hartwick Hawks soar. Hobbies don’t have to stop after high school. Their development can continue in college, evolving alongside and in harmony with their academic work.

For Cora-Mae Bolster, a junior music major from Greene, New York, music is more than just a passion. It’s been part of her life for as long as she can remember. Primarily a vocal major, Bolster also plays alto saxophone, piano and is currently learning the flute. At Hartwick, she’s a member of the wind ensemble, the choir, beginner band, opera scenes and the rock ensemble, immersing herself in nearly every aspect of the Music Department.

A Musical Spark
Bolster’s love for music began at home, her father played guitar, and family friends often took her to musicals. But the defining moment came when she was just four years old. During intermission at a local production of “Beauty and the Beast,” she pointed to the stage and told her parents, “This is what I want to do.” A moment sparked a lifelong passion.

She credits her choir teacher as a mentor, guiding her through New York State School Music Association festivals, Area All-State performances and years of private lessons. Those experiences gave her the foundation to take on challenging repertoire at Hartwick, like her performance of Mozart’s “Porgi Amor” in a public masterclass, which she prepared in under a week.

Finding a Community at Hartwick
When asked, “Why Hartwick?” Bolster didn’t hesitate. “So many happy and welcoming people. Everyone just seemed to get along, This welcoming spirit shines through in Hartwick’s ensembles,” she said. One of her favorites has been the beginner band, a new and unique ensemble that is open to both music majors and non-music majors who want to pick up a new instrument. “It’s an ensemble for non-music majors and people who can’t even read music,” Bolster said. “A great opportunity to pick up something else.”

Looking Ahead
After Hartwick, Bolster hopes to pursue a professional career in music performance. She encourages anyone curious about ensembles or a music major to give it a try. “It’s a great opportunity, no matter what major you are. It’s just a fun path to go on.”

Behind the Curtain
After performances, Bolster loves to celebrate with friends, swapping stories about funny rehearsal memories or awkward moments on stage that the audience never noticed.

Whether on stage, in rehearsal or simply hanging out with friends, Cora-Mae Bolster brings passion, energy and joy to everything she does, embodying the collaborative spirit that makes Hartwick’s music community so special.