My name is Bella Brundage (they/them) and I am a singer-songwriter, composer, performer, award-winning arranger, and multi-instrumentalist out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Currently in the process of finishing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in Music Composition and Technology at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, I have had the privilege of writing for professional groups such as bass clarinet & marimba duo Transient Canvas and university ensembles such as Concert Chorale, the New Music Ensemble, my student-founded group Public Hearing A Cappella, and several UWM filmmakers. Public Hearing, which I helped found alongside three others in March of 2022 was the second first-year group to win a Quarterfinal in ICCA history, placed in the top three in last year’s regional competition, and placed second in their Quarterfinal in Spring 2025. This past year and a half, I have had the honor of working as a Research Assistant for Dr. Gillian Rodger on a project dedicated to reviving and transcribing handwritten Vaudeville-era scores for the purpose of a collaborative book and eventual showcase and have been commissioned to write a wind ensemble piece for UWM’s Wind Ensemble in Fall 2025. This spring, Concert Chorale is slated to premiere my largest work to date, Tonight I’ve Watched the Moon (2023) which features poems by ancient Greek poet Sappho and I will be premiering two new works as part of my senior recital, the first concert solely featuring works I’ve composed to date.

From a young age, I’ve felt compelled to create music. As a child I’d sing constantly, often writing songs instead of dedicating my energy to a fierce round of tag or four-square. I did not begin seriously songwriting until about the age of thirteen when I also started teaching myself recording techniques. Choir also became an invaluable part of my musical upbringing. An a cappella arranging assignment inspired me to write my first choral work in high school which inspired me to pursue a degree that supported both my newfound love of composition and my skills in production. Since then, I’ve worked to expand my palate while staying true to my roots as a songwriter first-and-foremost and aspiring film composer. I take inspiration from the likes of Studio Ghibli’s Joe Hisaishi, Howard Shore (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), and Yann Tiersen (Amelie) to aid the vision of short-film makers I’ve worked with such as Ella Jane Schneider (“I Still Miss You,” “The Beach,” “Peach”), Dorian Sanchez (“The Shadow of You”), and Colin Cholka (“Know Your History”). I believe there is an intricate relationship between music and visuals whether within one’s own mind or on a screen which informs my attention to melody and space in all spheres of what I create; music that transports you stays with you. My interest lies in telling stories of the heart and mind, taking listeners to far off imaginary places or deeper within themselves through reflections on my own life and daydreams.

Aside from my work, I am a proud parent of two cats—Winona (2) and Winston (6 months)—and love spending my time with friends, baking, watching movies (especially Lord of the Rings), reading, drawing, and playing video games. I come from a family of bluegrass musicians and have four younger siblings who I love dearly. I also love to travel and have been across the pond twice to England and almost half of the continental U.S.  If I am not at home, I am likely out hiking somewhere and collecting rocks, but could also be working with you! If you are in need of a solo performer for your coffee shop, a score for your new film, a piano piece for your student, a song for your community choir, or just some sounds for the soul, you can reach me at the following avenues: