Music Huskie Spotlight
Huskie Spotlight: Chanel Antoshin, Music Education, ’25
What did you want to be when you were growing up? An elementary school teacher. I am now a music educator major because which is perfect for me because it combined my childhood passion and my passion growing up; teaching people and music!
What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study? Music Education major and Spanish minor because I want to continue to educate myself on music and share that with the world, as well as broaden my knowledge on the language of Spanish.
What is your favorite thing about studying and/or playing music at NIU? I absolutely love being around people who have the same passion as I do. It really shines through in classes and ensembles
Why did you choose NIU to study music? I chose to study music as both of my parents are music educators and as I like to say, music is in my blood.
Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course do they teach? The flute studio teacher Scott Metlicka has been a phenomenal educator so far. He is very welcoming, caring, intellectual, talented and beyond funny which never fails to shine through when working with him.
Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it? I absolutely love the grassy knoll. It is the perfect place to set up a picnic blanket in the fall and read a book, do homework, or enjoy the beauty of NIU
Huskie Spotlights
Huskie Spotlight: Katelyn Ackland, Music Education, Clarinet Performance
Katelyn Ackland, a senior majoring in music education and clarinet performance in the NIU School of Music is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Katelyn has earned multiple scholarships at NIU, and is appreciative of the support of her professors and fellow students....
Huskie Spotlight: Jayla Herring, Recording Arts and Media Technologies
Jayla Herring, a fall 2025 graduate of the School of Music with a degree in recording arts and media technologies is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Jayla says this major was a perfect fit, and the pursuit of an additional certificate increased the chances of...
Huskie Spotlight Lilliana Benitez, Music Education, Euphonium
Lilliana Benitez, a music education major with an instrumental emphasis in euphonium from McHenry, Illinois is the subject of an NIU Huskie Spotlight. A proud member of the Huskie Marching Band, she appreciates the mentorship of Dr. Tom Bough both on the field and in...
Joe Beribak, ’25, Composition
Music Huskie SpotlightHuskie Spotlight: Joe Beribak, '25, CompositionWhat did you want to be when you were growing up? When I was a boy, I wanted to be a Catholic priest. When I grew a little older, I loved amusement parks and wanted to design roller-coasters. This...