1st Infantry Division and University of Kansas Band Collaboration In Poland

POLAND – A professor and instructor of Tuba and Euphonium from the University of Kansas played in collaboration with members of the 1st Infantry Division band in Bolesławiec, Poland Oct. 15, 2026.

Dr. David Earll led the 1st Infantry Division’s brass quintet through songs originating from Kansas as well as historical Polish pieces for a crowd consisting of local nationals and Soldiers at Bolesławiec’s cultural center .

The opportunity arose when Dr. Earll arrived in Poland to partner with local music institutions from across the country. After learning that the 1ID band was on rotation and in the local area, he was enthusiastic to be able to bring Kansas music abroad and partner with musicians local to the state. As the 1ID band was down a Tuba player at that moment, both parties were eager and excited to be able to make the most of the opportunity.

“Over the last 20 years or so, I’ve cultivated an international touring portfolio and my university has some interest in partnering with some Polish institutions for more collaboration in the future,” Said Dr. Earll “When I learned about the 1ID band’s deployment in Poland, it seemed like a really natural opportunity to bring Kansas music abroad and collaborate with musicians from home but away.”

Warrant Officer Bridget Olenik, the 1st Infantry Division band director, was excited to have the opportunity to partner with someone who she described as one of the top in their music industry, but also as a member of the Kansas community.

“We’re both in Poland, so we’re showing partnership and that shared mindset of showing our music, showing our art, our presence and the professionalism of the United States military in general through musical performance,” said Olenik.

Inside the cultural center, Soldiers were able to interact with members of the local Polish community about the music being played and shared interests amongst each other. After the performance had concluded, they were even able to meet and interact with Dr. Earll and members of the 1ID band.

“Whenever you bring new musicians together, or groups of musicians together, you create something completely unique to that situation because of the different experiences that those musicians bring to the table and how they interact with each other,” said Olenik. “Collaboration is always something that makes the music community stronger, it shows partnership.”

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