Yes, You Can be Both an Athlete and a Musician at Cornell

Not only that, but you’ll be encouraged by supportive staff members who want to see you succeed.

I chose to attend Cornell for many reasons, but one of the most prominent was the opportunity for involvement in dissimilar and conflicting activities. As I searched for my next move after Arizona State, two elements of the ideal college were stuck in my mind: music and track. Music was (and is) a passion of mine, and had been for a long time. I still don’t know why I thought going somewhere with such limited musical opportunities was the right choice for me! Collegiate track and field was a much more surprising consideration. I had decided not to run during my senior year of high school because I simply didn’t love it. However, with no regular exercise routine at Arizona State, I struggled. After deciding I needed to transfer away from ASU, I knew I wanted my final college destination to be somewhere I could do both.

I looked for support in my pursuits of both athletics and music, and I found that at Cornell in my track coach Jerry Monner and choir director Chris Nakielski. I believe the best thing about small colleges is the diversity of experiences a student can have. Both of these individuals have been advocates for and supporters of this. Additionally, they have wholeheartedly supported me in my many commitments and passions.

Head track and field coach Jerry Monner understands the significant impact a well-rounded college experience can have on a student-athlete. He encourages his athletes to pursue interests separate from track and field. Further, he believes this well-rounded experience can be beneficial for them. “I feel it’s important to let [athletes] be involved in student organizations, music/choir, or other groups on campus to help them grow as individuals,” said Monner. It’s clear that he wants his athletes to excel not only in track, but in any and all areas that interest them.

Monner also values the practical skills that his extra-busy athletes develop as a result of their many commitments. He sets expectations for those athletes to ensure they stay committed to team practice requirements and their own workout progressions. Monner believes these skills will serve his athletes well for the rest of their lives. “One thing I stress… is to effectively communicate with me about upcoming commitments as well as having a plan in place to make up for missed practice time with our team,” Monner said. “I think this really helps [athletes] grow as young adults… you have to figure things out and make them work, so in some aspects I feel as though I’m helping them grow by allowing them to be involved in multiple activities that overlap at times.”

Director of Choral Activities Chris Nakielski can personally relate to his athlete-musicians’ situations. In college, he was both a track and field athlete and a vocal musician at a small liberal arts school. He not only allows but encourages and appreciates the participation of athletes in his choirs. This sometimes means those students must miss rehearsal time to go to practice. He believes athletes already have many fundamental skills necessary to participate in a musical ensemble. This is because he sees similarities between performing musically and athletically.

Nakielski recognizes that athletes and musicians are much more alike than one may imagine. “I personally believe that athletes bring a lot to the musical ensemble,” Nakielski said. “In general, there are a lot of parallels… between the athlete and the musician. Athletes understand the concept of needing to practice to prepare for an athletic performance and this coincides well with needing to practice an instrument for an upcoming performance; the philosophies are the same.”  Nakielski’s understanding of these similarities bridges a large gap between sports and the fine arts. People often see music and athletics as entirely opposite. They can even confront one another in an “us vs. them” type of dynamic. Nakielski directly combats this type of mentality and instead views music and sports in harmonious coexistence.

Monner and Nakielski exemplify the very best of the DIII college experience. I admire the respect Coach Monner has for the fine arts and my commitment to music. Similarly, I appreciate Dr. Nakielski’s ability to see likenesses between music and athletics. These individuals work hard daily to ensure that I can take part in both my sport and music. Some days, I miss choir rehearsal to be at track practice. Other days, I run my track workouts early so I can make it to choir on time. Every day, I am thankful for a place, a culture, and incredible people who make all of my endeavors, both musical and athletic, possible.