Taking center stage with Brooklyn Kaloupek
Love of music; Kaloupek builds friendships through the arts
Trending
Growing up, Brooklyn Kaloupek couldn't wait for Friday nights.
She enjoyed going to the football games, not just for the competition, but for the halftime show.
Kaloupek's sister was in the colorguard, which was part of Fort Dodge Senior High's All-American Marching Band.
"My love for music started when I watched my older sister Mackenzie in the marching band as part of the colorguard," Kaloupek said. "Watching the band’s performance was my favorite Friday night activity growing up.
"Since becoming involved myself, I just find a lot of joy in playing music no matter what style."
For the past two seasons Kaloupek has been a drum major for the Dodgers and this time around she is the head drum major.
"Getting to be a drum major has been my favorite high school experience by far. In both of my years I have been very lucky with those I get to work with, and I've always loved how there is a great balance between silly and serious," Kaloupek said. "My junior year I was very nervous to take the podium, but with the support from the band and my fellow drum majors I slowly gained confidence.
"This summer the four drum majors got to attend a camp in Pella, which let us strengthen our bond and confidently take on our season. Being a drum major has taught me numerous lessons on patience and self discipline, that I can hopefully apply later in life."
The band has been where Kaloupek has developed bonds.
"Band is where a majority of friendships have come from," Kaloupek said. "With a group of around 160 kids, there is a wide variety of personalities you come across, and my favorite part is learning to adapt to each one."
It's not just the marching band that Kaloupek has been involved in as she has played many instruments.
"I first started on the clarinet, but near the end of my eighth grade year my interest had grown onto the oboe, which I had started playing in concert freshman year," Kaloupek said. "Along with those two came the alto clarinet with the English horn.
"I had learned to help out when needed in other ensembles. This last year I had also picked up the flute for concert season."
Being a part of Fort Dodge's musicals was something Kaloupek has enjoyed, but not on the stage, in the pit.
"I joined musical pit my sophomore year because I wanted to be involved with the musical and I felt that it would be the best fit for me," Kaloupek said. "Getting to watch the musical while playing along with the actors is a fun and unique experience.
"Tech week is my favorite part because I finally get context to all of these parts I'm playing after weeks of practice."
Kaloupek has paced her schedule to stay busy and build her resume.
"Getting involved was originally just a plan to stay busy and have more to look at on applications," Kaloupek said. "But each program I am a part of is constantly teaching me lessons that will stick with me for life.
"Without being involved I would miss out on so many friendships and memories, and I don't think I could imagine a life with nothing to do every day."
Kaloupek is also in speech.
"I enjoy getting to explore new ways to perform and appreciate art. In speech there is a category for practically anything you could think of, and getting to watch all kinds of different performances is always really cool," Kaloupek said. "My speech twin is Lauren Patterson. We have been together in group improvisation since freshman year, and have made some hilarious inside jokes as a result of it.
"I'm hoping that I can end my last speech season with an All-State performing improv that we had fallen short of last year."
To make things even busier, Kaloupek is also on the Dodger tennis team, which has recently moved to the fall, coinciding with marching band.
"I joined the tennis team my sophomore year because I had a lot of friends on the team. This year there thankfully wasn't too much overlap when it came to band, up until our first competition," Kaloupek said. "Our regional tennis meet landed the same day of our competition, and with a varsity roster containing only one non-band member, we were very concerned on how it would be possible to make it back in time after the meet was moved indoors with only two courts.
"Thankfully, after our victory we had just enough time to change into our uniforms to take the field."
As her senior season is underway Kaloupek is looking forward to making more memories and will miss a lot.
"My favorite memories in high school or at least the programs I'm involved in, has been traveling competitions. Whether it's band or speech, I enjoy getting to spend the day with some of my favorite people doing what we love. I will definitely miss the last late night bus ride back from our adventures," Kaloupek said. "I'm looking forward to finishing off my senior year to the best of my abilities and applying all I have learned to my life after high school.
"Being a Dodger to me means always having a community you can rely on, and people with you through every step of the way."
Kaloupek has had many influences in her activities at high school.
"When starting high school there were countless upperclassmen that I looked up to," Kaloupek said. "The one who has influenced me the most is Manuela Rodriguez.
"Not only is she very talented in the fine arts, but she is an amazing friend, and guided me a lot my junior year."
After high school Kaloupek will be attending Iowa State University in Ames in hopes of becoming a veterinary technician.
Vacation destination: Greece
It would surprise people that I: Have never watched Harry Potter...
Performer that inspires me: Grace Reiter
My everyday role model: My sisters.
I can't go a day without: chewing gum
Where do I see myself in 10 years? Hopefully in a vet office!
What are you listening to right now? White Noise
A show you binge watch: Gilmore Girls Favorites…
Musical: Ride The Cyclone
Performance: FDSH ADDAMS FAMILY
Music genre: Pop
Song: Darling, I – Tyler The Creator
Instrument: Flute
Class: Creative Writing
Movie: Dead Poets Society
Book: You'd be Home Now
Phone App.: Instagram