Music Huskie Spotlight
Huskie Spotlight: Maria Magdaly Perez, Master of Music, ’21
What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t know it was a music teacher.
What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study? My major is music performance.
What is your favorite thing about studying and/or playing music at NIU? I love the NIU music community. The teachers make the difference in the school. They are great people, teachers and musicians.
How have you connected with other students at NIU? Unfortunately for personal reasons I haven’t connected with too many students at NIU. I have a busy family life.
Why did you choose NIU to study music? Because my husband told me it was a great school of music, and he was right!
Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? My cello teacher Cheng-Hou Lee. He is a very supportive teacher, and he works very hard to get the maximum potential out of each of his students.
Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? The lake.
Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently? Practice with more discipline.
What do you do to relax or recharge? To relax I just like to listen music!
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...