Meet Brandon Florich! Hailing from the nearby town of Yonkers, New York, He’s a senior graduating with a Bachelors in both Music and Education, and a year from now will be receiving his Masters in Arts of Teaching. He is a self-described “aspiring multi-instrumentalist and future educator…whose local and touring concerts have been heard throughout the eastern states.”
Brandon was interested in furthering his music studies before he even arrived here, but he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to study. “My high school teacher recommended Manhattanville, because in addition to the great music program there was also a well-rounded education program. I could study music and education and have set job opportunities right outside of school.” After taking a few education courses his freshman year, he really enjoyed it and decided to stick with it. In terms of music, he did eventually decide what to pursue. He studies bass instruments like tuba, upright bass, and electric bass, as well as jazz piano.
I asked Brandon if he had any expectations when coming to Manhattanville, as many incoming freshman have high expectations of their college experience, and was surprised to learn he had none. “Not really having expectations of what the college experience would be, allowed me to create my own unique experience, which in my opinion has worked out really well,” he shares.
He’s been active with many on campus groups and student run organizations like orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz band, and other chamber ensembles. He’s in a band with other students, Bluejack, and is always open to “helping anyone in need with music,” filling in for a member of another student band, Kid Moe, and assisting singer/artist and fellow senior Matt Relevo. He also is active off campus, being a member of a few jazz groups, being more active during the summertime at local events such as weddings. Brandon has also been working on personal music, but as for when anyone will hear it, he says, “in good time.” He’s connected with a lot of people, making lifelong friends and many musical collaborations.
When asked what advice he would give his freshman year self, he shares he would express the importance of getting involved. “You learn a whole lot in the classroom, but you definitely learn just as much, if not more, outside the classroom when you’re interacting with the community and putting yourself out there.” Yet, he has no regrets about his college experience. “Sure I’ve probably done things that people could regret, but I don’t regret them.”
He’ll miss the small community here at Manhatanville. “It’s its own little functioning area that everyone exists in and it’s very enjoyable.” He says he didn’t really expect to be who he is now four years later and credits a significant part of his development to the friendships he’s made. “We become the people we surround ourselves with and I’ve definitely chosen to surround myself with some great people. I value them and they value me. You don’t have to question the friendship, you know it exists. Even if you don’t talk for a week, it doesn’t mean the other person’s mad at you and all that nonsense. It’s great.”
If you know Brandon at all, or even see him around, then you’ll know he has a special place in his heart for coffee. His appreciation for coffee began back in seventh or eighth grade, after watching his parents consume coffee daily. It wasn’t until high school where he really fell into the practice of making it. “My high school Italian teacher, who I never even had, always had a coffee and espresso machine in her room. She allowed me to make coffee whenever and I always made it for everyone else.” During his senior year of high school he got a job working at a coffee shop and was able to learn a whole lot more about coffee. Since then he’s worked at two other coffee shops, and is currently serving up some fresh brew at Slave to the Grind in Bronxville. He adds, “Coffee is its own study. There are a lot of small factors that you don’t imagine that are actually very much considered in the process. It’s great fun!” he says, with a laugh, “I make coffee every morning still.”
While there are many classes and lessons he has enjoyed at Manhattanville, there are a few that really stood out to him. He took an Aesthetic Literacy course, which “challenged the values of what’s considered to be artful.” This piqued his interests as a musician because the “definition of musicality implies that it has music and what makes something music is that it is musical.” He was also intrigued with a class taught by Dr. Elizabeth Cherry, who he describes as “phenomenal, both as an individual and professor.” She “opened eyes and ears and mind to new ideas you may have heard in passing but did not actually understand.” He also has enjoyed studying jazz piano with Charles Blenzig, who has taught him a lot about piano, music, and life. He has similar sentiments about his brass teacher Bruce Eidem; “he’s essentially made me the musician I am. All the time spent with him has been of great value and efficiency.”
I then asked the dreaded question every graduate despises: What are your post-grad plans?” He said he’s definitely returning to complete his masters, which he’ll have by June 2018. During this year he’ll be living with four other music educators and Manhattanville grads. “We’ll be planning, working together, networking, sharing contacts, and linking up with opportunities, whether it be performing or teaching or all of the above. I’ll probably still be making coffee,” he admits with a laugh, “I’ve got some student loans to pay!”
Though he’ll still be at Manhattanville this fall, it won’t be in the same capacity as before. I can’t quite remember how Brandon and I were introduced, but I’m glad I’ve gotten to know him during his time here. He’s an incredible musician, barista, teacher, and an even better friend. I’m certain our paths will cross often, and look forward to catching up with him over coffee. When asked if there was anything else he’d like to add about anything we discussed, he paused for a few minutes, and then said, “Living in the present is the only way we can truly live and enjoy the presence of those around us. Having that awareness results in connecting with those around us naturally, as they should.”