For Bernadette Brockman, a junior at Roosevelt University, music has always been a guiding force. Originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Classical Performance – Voice, with a secondary emphasis in musical theater for music direction and a minor in music composition. However, her path to Roosevelt was shaped not only by her passion for music but also by her unique experiences as a military-dependent student.
Brockman’s love for music began early. She started piano lessons at the age of three and later expanded into voice training. By middle school, she was already involved in music directing and playing for community theater productions. This hands-on experience solidified her desire to pursue music at a higher level. After attending vocal competitions and connecting with Roosevelt University’s faculty, she found a home within the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA). “They really knew how to stay connected,” Brockman recalled. “I had trial lessons with more than one of the piano faculty and met people outside of the piano faculty as well.”
Beyond her academic pursuits, Brockman has also found a sense of community through Roosevelt’s Veteran Center. As the daughter of a retired military serviceman, she qualified for Chapter 35 benefits, which provide financial support for dependents of veterans with 100% disability ratings. She first visited the Veteran and Military Center in her freshman year, where she met Kevin Smith, the Director of Veteran's Affairs & Testing Administration, who offered her a work-study position. “I just happened to be the second person who had walked into his office, and he asked me if I wanted a job,” she said. “At first, it was just Kevin and I setting up the space, but it quickly grew into a really welcoming environment.”
Her leadership extends beyond the Veteran Center. Brockman serves as the president of the CCPA Student Council, advocating for students in the conservatory and ensuring they have access to essential resources. “The faculty here are so involved,” she said. “Especially within the Conservatory, they know who you are, they check up on you, and they care for you. Their main motivation is to make sure that you're set up for success.”
Brockman’s dedication to music and leadership intersected in an exciting way when she orchestrated and music-directed a student-written musical, Jenny. This production, written by fellow student Mary Ann Moes, was a powerful story about family, loss and healing. With faculty encouragement, the show found a performance space on campus and later premiered as a reading at the Co-Op Theatre East (CoCAbier) festival. “Working on Jenny was a dream,” Brockman shared. “It really felt professional, even though we were within the safety of the school. We got to experience what we would be doing in the real world.” Brockman’s next event is her “Non-Degree Recital,” an on-campus performance that is free and open to the public, though she is incredibly excited for her family to attend.
Looking ahead, she plans to take a couple of years after graduation to compose and build her portfolio before pursuing a master’s degree in music composition. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to new works in music and theater, creating spaces for artistic collaboration.
For students considering Roosevelt University, Brockman offers simple yet valuable advice: “Prioritize your peace and happiness, and make time for fun. It’s okay to slack off sometimes—but always know when to get back on track.”
