We often think of those who create and honor music at Colgate University, such as The Colgate Thirteen, Swinging ’Gates and Resolutions, as one unit. But who are the individuals who bring to life the magic of the renditions? Senior Will Olszewski, who has been a part of the Colgate Thirteen since his first year on campus, is one of these vital voices on campus.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Olszewski and the Thirteen have what could be considered their most intriguing gig coming up: Cupid Grams. The Grams are a chance to send love someone’s way. You simply fill out a Google Form with the song you want the person to be serenaded with and the Colgate Thirteen then performs it for them — this year, on Feb. 13. For Olszewski, the serenades are entertaining for the community they have the potential to create.
“The serenades are a very fun thing to do every year and I know a lot of students at Colgate love us serenading their friends,” Olszewski said.
While Olszewski has been a part of the group for four years now, he is no stranger to music and singing.
“I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. Growing up I just started singing and I haven’t stopped since,” Olszewski said.
In his time at Colgate, Olszewski has some particular performances alongside the Thirteen that stand out.
“One memorable [performance] was in Coop my freshman year when we serenaded President Casey as he was grabbing food — which was not a planned serenade either,” Olszewski said. “We thought it would be really funny to serenade him and he ended up posting us on his Instagram, so I think he liked it.”
When they are not performing for students on campus, the group goes on a variety of tours throughout the entire nation. Olszewski explained the behind-the-scenes work that it takes to put together their shows.
“Our leader, [senior] Andrew Kang, essentially organizes the sets. He kind of talks with everyone in the group to see what they’re willing to sing and how they’re feeling about singing certain songs,” Olszewski said. “It also depends on the show that we’re doing and the audience we’re singing for. Some songs are a bit more classic … for older folks. We also have some newer songs and some more modern songs for younger crowds, like high schools that we’ll sing at, or any kind of crowds that have younger kids we’ll try to sing more newer songs.”
The Thirteen also has huge support from their alumni and that also helps them decide who and what to perform.
“We have alumni that we stay with on these trips and they’re very helpful with getting us connected with the local high schools to perform,” Olszewski said.
For Olszewski and the Thirteen, it is particularly important that they inspire younger audiences through their performances.
“Last time we were in Boston, we were performing at a couple high schools. It’s something that we try to do on each trip just because we think that it’s important for kids who are interested in pursuing music further [to know] that it’s still a possibility at the collegiate level,” Olszewski said.
Olszewski’s favorite trip had a huge impact on the Thirteen and prompted his realization of the significance of being part of such an iconic and historic part of campus.
“I think that one of my favorites would probably be my sophomore year when we went on our January tour, and that was a really fun trip because we got to perform the National Anthem at the Lambeau field for the Green Bay Packers,” Olszewski shared.
This monumental accomplishment of performing in Wisconsin, in front of 80,000 people, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I kind of didn’t believe it was actually happening — and I just think that it was really surreal and crazy to see that this is where singing could take you — but it was also just a really fun time with the guys and the group. I think those trips are also so much fun because we all just get to spend time together and escape the Colgate and Hamilton bubble,” Olszewski said.
Senior year has been flying by for Olszewski as he reminisces on his days as a first-year.
“It is crazy because I joined the group [in my first year] and now I’m a senior, so it’s a full circle moment to see the rest of the seniors in the group with me and to think that we’ve all grown up and spent four years together,” Olszewski said.
When he is not singing, Olszewski, who is a history major and a political science minor, talks about completing his big senior project — his thesis. Last semester, he enrolled in a seminar, Gender Trouble, taught by Associate Professor of History Monica Mercado.
“My thesis focused on 18th and 19th century women and how their public image and public perception shifted over time into the 21st century. I did this by looking at different monuments, public sculptures and museums as well as different public image artifacts or anything that was accessible to look at,” Olszewski explained. “It was really interesting looking at how those women shaped their public image through their activist work.”
Olszewski’s findings were largely related to the intricacies of how public perception changed concerning both the women’s rights movement and the anti-slavery movement.
After graduating, Olszewski has hopes of inspiring the next generation through teaching. This past summer, he taught at Philips Exeter Academy as a teaching intern. Olszewski emphasized that this experience was a grounding one, which opened his eyes to the possibility of teaching at a boarding school and the profession in general.
Perhaps most importantly, Olszewski makes sure to keep up with all his friends and spend time with them through baking desserts for them like cookies or brownies. He also continues to embrace his artistic side not only through music, but by returning to a childhood hobby — painting. Olszewski’s skills and dedication are a true testament on how to fully embrace the liberal arts experience at Colgate.
