Jopek was recently hired by Trine University in Indiana as its new director of the music program and assistant professor of music. Being appointed to this position is the most recent milestone in his lifelong journey to become a music director and conductor.

Jopek’s parents, Nancy and Roger still reside in Westfield. According to family lore, when Bradley was three, he stood upon the hearth at his great-grandfather’s house and began pretending to conduct to the music that was playing. “It was almost like it was in his genes,” his mother said. “I remember my mom’s dad who lived with them saying to my mom in polish — someday he will be a conductor, he has rhythm.”

Nancy and Roger were able to attend Jopek’s first home game at Trine on Oct. 19. “I was able to stand next to my son as the marching band went out onto the field from the tunnel and then as the announcer introduced Bradley to the crowd for the first time.” Nancy said. “Hearing the applause and watching him choked me up and the tears started to fall. It was at that moment it hit me that his dream had come true. What he had talked about since he was a small child was no longer talk but reality.”

Jopek said he does not remember the hearth conducting episode, but his love of music took off when he began piano lessons with Marcy and Jack Sternisha of Fredonia. He joined the fifth grade band and played the French horn. “I struggled a bit in high school, but finally decided on pursuing music as a career,” he said.

Jopek attended Grove City College where he received a BA in music. “It was there, I joined the orchestra because the girl who is now my wife was in it,” he said.

During this time, Jopek said, Dr. Ed Arnold, retired chair of the Department of Music and Fine Arts at Grove City College, was a big influence in encouraging him to pursue conducting.

Jopek then attended the University of Louisville, where he received two Master of Music degrees, in wind and orchestral conducting. During this time, he was also the music and artistic director of River Cities Concert Band. “I was doing admin work by day and doing volunteer work by night,” he said.

Also, during this time, Jopek served as Assistant Conductor and Operations Manager for the University of Louisville Sinfonietta, Costa Rica Tour, in 2019. “That was when I knew I wanted to be a conductor,” he said.

As he began pursuing his dream even further, the pandemic struck. “It was strange because it all stopped, just as I was realizing my dream,” he said.

Jopek then went on to receive a Doctor of Music Arts in wind conducting from the University of Maryland, where he also served as a graduate conductor and beginning instrumental conducting instructor.

Nancy said the hooding ceremony when Jopek received his doctorate was one of immense pride. “The entire ceremony recognized the hard work that went into the program and the symbolization of the transition from student to scholar,” she said. “He had achieved his goal. It was very touching to hear then and now ‘Dr. Jopek.’ “

Jopek said that WACS Music Director Kent Knappenberger was a big influence on his career path, especially because of his work in musical theater. “Looking back, I see that he had a lot of influence on how I’m conducting,” Jopek said. “When I went off to college and I would tell people about the music I sang in high school, they would respond with “What? You really sang that?’ ” Jopek added when Knappenberger was awarded a Grammy in Music Education, everyone understood the quality of instruction he provides.

Jopek said his initial emotion at achieving his dream was relief. His mother said she and Bradley’s father are extremely proud of his accomplishments. “We could see the work that went into it and, at times, it was discouraging, but he went on with it,” she said.

Jopek’s advice to anyone pursuing a career in music is to have a lot of patience. “With music, it takes a lifetime to learn,” he said. “You have to always be willing to learn new music. I always find it funny that originally I did not like orchestral music. If you are always open to new things, you will find what works for you.”