Music Archives - NIU Arts Blog

Avalon String Quartet performance features new score to a French silent film classic

Avalon String Quartet concert goers will enjoy a screening of the French silent film classic Ménilmontant and the world premiere of a score to the film composed by the Avalon's Blaise Magnière, Thursday, October 1 at 7 p.m. in the NIU Recital Hall. At just 38...

Music hosts “All of US” an anti-Asian hate chamber opera, Sept. 25

The NIU School of Music presents All of US a chamber opera in one act, Friday, September 25 at 5 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall. The performance is free of charge. An artist discussion will follow the performance. All of US is an anti-Asian hate chamber...

Music’s Bobby Broom’s new album “Notes of Thanks” featured in Downbeat Magazine

The latest album from Bobby Broom, associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music, Notes of Thanks, a tribute to saxophonist Sonny Rollins, was featured in the July edition of Downbeat Magazine. Broom first performed with Rollins at...

Music’s Gregory Beyer earns Illinois Arts Council Creative Projects Grant

Gregory Beyer, professor of music and director of percussion studies in the NIU School of Music received a $12,000 Illinois Arts Council Creative Projects Grant to support the commission of two works for marimba by Pulitzer Prize winning composer Melinda Wagner and...

Huskie Spotlight: Kyla Reisenbichler, Music Education, ’28

Kyla Reisenbichler is a music education major in the NIU School of Music who plans to graduate in 2028. The oldest of seven siblings from Freeport, Illinois, Kyla originally planned to become a nurse and earned her CNA while still in high school. A trip to the...

Daniel Chukwunyem wins advanced classical voice category at NATS

Daniel Chukwunyem, a master of music student in the NIU School of Music won the Advanced Classical TBB Voice Category at the 59th Annual National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) convention in San Antonio, Texas. Chukwunyem is a native of Lagos, Nigeria who...

John Paul named interim director of NIU School of Music

John F. Paul, DM, an educator, musician and composer with more than 30 years of teaching experience and nearly 25 years as a department chair will serve as the interim director of the NIU School of Music. Andrew Glendening, who has been Director of the School of Music...

Ethan Cowburn, ’25 honored by online Thai music competition

Ethan Cowburn, who earned his master of music in 2025 from the NIU School of Music was awarded the Special Prize and International Award for the sixth anniversary of the ทำนองหลักเพลงไทย. The ทำนองหลักเพลงไทย is an online Thai music competition creted by Pokpong...

Gabriel Wade, ’24 advances to finals of Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition

Gabriel Wade, who earned his Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the NIU School of Music in 2024 is one of three finalists in the 2026 Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition at the International Trumpet Guild's 50th Anniversary Conference at the Eastman School of...

Arman Sangalang, ’22 earns Luminarts Jazz Fellowship

Arman Sangalang, a 2022 graduate of the NIU School of Music with a master of music in jazz studies has earned a prestigious Luminarts Fellowship in Jazz Improvisation. Sangalang won the fellowship finals, May 7 at The Union League of Chicago. Annually, the Luminarts...

Commencement Profile: Connor Butler, MM Percussion Performance

Connor Butler earned his master of music in percussion performance last weekend, and was featured in a video that ran during ceremony. Get to know Connor by watching his video profile. https://youtu.be/iI2_8fxHVcc

Music’s Pharez Whitted inducted into Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame

Pharez Whitted, instructor of trumpet in the NIU School of Music's Jazz Studies program is one of the newest inductees into the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame. Whitted is also director of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Jazz Orchestra, coordinates the...

Luminarts Jazz Improvisation fellowship finalists include NIU Music alumni Gabriel Wade and Arman Sangalang

NIU School of Music jazz alumni Arman Sangalang and Gabriel Wade are finalists for Luminarts Jazz Improvisation Fellowships. Luminarts Cultural Foundation was founded in 1949 by members of the Union Club of Chicago to strengthen the cultural community of Chicago by...

Music alumna Alexis Lamb appointed to EMU faculty

Alexis C. Lamb, who earned her bachelor of music degrees at NIU in music education and percussion performance has been appointed assistant professor of music theory at Eastern Michigan University starting in August. Lamb also performed with Projecto Arcomusical, the...

Geof Bradfield featured in two upcoming major Chicago jazz events

Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz saxophone and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music will be featured as part of two upcoming major Chicago jazz events. First off, on April 28, his Geof Bradfield Sextet will perform at Chicago's Logan Center for the Arts (915 E....

“Air Trio” winners of Chamber Ensemble Competition featured on WNIU, April 20

The winners of this year's NIU School of Chamber Ensemble Competition will appear tonight at 7 p.m. on NPR's WNIU (90.5 FM). The performance will also be live streamed at wniu.org. "Air Trio" made up of three saxophonists, Ben Sanchez, Teddy Malamis and Daniël Smith...

NIU Jazz Ensemble at historic Jazz Showcase

The NIU Jazz Ensemble were featured at the historic The Jazz Showcase, 806 South Plymouth in Chicago on March 31. Rodrigo Villanueva Conroy, director of the Jazz Ensemble said, "The show was an incredible experience for our students, and was a very successful...

Upcoming Winds concert featured on WREX-TV

On Friday night, April 17 at 7 p.m. the combined NIU Wind Ensemble and NIU Wind Symphony will perform in concert in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building. One of the pieces they will be performing is famous for being a little unconventional. NIU...

Huskie Spotlight: Rosemary McClure, jazz performance

Rosemary McClure is a junior jazz performance major from St. Charles. She appreciates the collaborative spirit that abounds in the Music Building. "A lot of my classes for jazz studies have been fairly small, so it’s been easy to connect with the people in those...

Huskie Spotlight: Daniel Chukwunyem, Master of Music

Daniel Chukwunyem enjoys being at NIU and appreciates the diversity of the campus. "I love the community. It is quite wonderful to see different folks from different walks of life coexisting. Also, I particularly love how experienced and welcoming the faculty are."...

Huskie Spotlight: Teddy Malamis, Music Education

Teddy Malamis, a senior music education major from Naperville, is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Malamis says, "I have loved music since a young age and was truly changed for the better by my music educators in elementary, middle and high school. I wish to have...

Sonic Tapestry: Global Traditions and Cultural Crossroads – 2026 NIU World Music Festival

The NIU School of Music is proud to present the 2026 World Music Festival, a five-day immersive journey through the sounds, traditions, and contemporary innovations of global music. Running from April 7-11, the festival will transform the NIU campus into a vibrant...

NIU Faculty Composers’ Concert features world premiere

The NIU Composers' Concert, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the NIU Recital Hall features the world premiere of David Maki's "Letters From Norman" for bass-baritone and piano. The text is drawn from letters written by David's uncle Norman Maki during World War II....

NIU Opera Theatre features “Iphigénia en Aulide” March 27 and 29

The Northern Illinois University School of Music presents its annual spring opera, Christoph Willibald Gluck's Iphigénia en Aulide with performances at 7 p.m., Friday, March 27 and 3 p.m., Sunday, March 29 in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building....

NIU Jazz Combo Day sees record attendance

NIU hosted its annual Jazz Comb Day in the School of Music, Tuesday, March 17. The event features high school jazz combos from around the region. This year's showed the largest turnout in the history of the event, which included Kamyrn Cederholm, a senior at South...

Huskie Spotlight: Alma Perrote, Music Education and Steelpan Performance

Alma Perotte, who is majoring in music education and steelpan performance in the School of Music is the subject of a Huskie Spotlight. Alma says she knew as a child growing up in Belize City, Belize that she wanted music to be an essential part of her life. When I was...

Music Education alumna Hayley Gotzsche wins Golden Apple Award

Hayley Gotzsche decided at a very young age that being a music teacher would be a great job. "I've always loved music," she said. "Music has always been a source of joy and an expression of confidence. It was just natural to go into it. I love to get to bring those...

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...

Music’s Bobby Broom selected by Herbie Hancock for International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert

Bobby Broom, associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music, whose most recent album, More Amor spent several weeks atop Jazz Week's North American Jazz Radio chart, has been selected to perform in this spring's 15th Annual...

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...

An encore at NIU: Doug Bratt, BA, MM

Doug Bratt, ’01, M.M. ’02, found that NIU was more than his second act; it was the encore that brought his passion center stage. His path to becoming a talented percussionist and a tenured professor at Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC), where he has led...

Northern Public Radio profile on School of Music’s Maria Kurochkina

Maria Kurochkina, assistant professor of music and director of orchestras was recently profiled by Northern Public Radio, WNIU/WNIJ. Kurochkina joined the NIU School of Music faculty in August after earning her D.M.A. in orchestral conducting from Boston University. A...

Commencement profile – Khadija Nagi

Khadija Nagi, a DeKalb native, and now a proud graduate of the NIU School of Music is the subject of the fall 2025 commencement video profile. Khadija says she chose to stay in town to study music in part because of the accomplished alumni who are so supportive of...

In Passing: Ron Modell and more

by Antonio Garcia Jazz education lost a giant in the field with the passing on June 10 of my friend and colleague Ron Modell. Ron joined Northern Illinois University’s faculty in 1969 after a performance career that had already included touring as a teenager with...

An open window led Zachary Good to the clarinet and to NIU

A familiarity with the school and a desire to teach music at a state university made NIU the perfect place for new School of Music faculty member Zachary Good. Good had previously worked with NIU's recording arts team on some projects in the Recital Hall and Boutell...

New director of orchestras was drawn to NIU by its student-centered nature

For Maria Kurochkina, the new director of orchestras at NIU, all it took was a few minutes into her visit to Northern Illinois University to feel like it was the place for her. "When I came to campus for my second interview, I felt an immediate connection to the...

13th New Music Festival kicks off Nov. 5

The New Music Festival at NIU, a staple of the fall performance season since 2008 will be held Wednesday, November 5 through Friday, November 7 in the NIU Music Building. Each fall, the multi-concert festival featuring prominent guest composers, performers, and...

Music’s Geof Bradfield awarded Chamber Music America grant for “Colossal Abundance”

Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz studies and jazz performance in the NIU School of Music was awarded a Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant for his latest recording, "Colossal Abundance." The CMA New Jazz Works grant is the fourth that Bradfield has receieved....

Yuko Asada’s Fulbright Fellowship has her back on familiar ground

Yuko Asada is having a bit of a full-circle moment. Nearly a quarter century after her interest in steelpan performance led her to the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago for the annual Panorama Steelband Competition, she's back. This time, it's as the first staff...

NIU Mariachi members to perform at Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox games

Three members of the School of Music's NIU Mariachi Band will be joining the group Mariachi Monumental De México to perform at the Chicago White Sox Hispanic Heritage Night, Friday, September 19 at 6:40 p.m. versus the San Diego Padres, and again at Sunday's Chicago...

NIU Wind Ensemble to give collegiate world premiere of a piece commissioned for the US Marine Corps

The NIU Wind Ensemble will present the collegiate world premiere of a piece commissioned by the US Marine Band to commemorate a significant anniversary. "Last spring, the US Marine Band commissioned a lengthy piece for the 250th birthday of the United States Marine...

Avalon String Quartet to perform Narongrit Dhamabutra’s “Quintet For the Spirits of ASEAN”

Narongrit Dhamabutra, a renowned composer and academic will be on campus, Friday, September 12 for a lecture and a special performance of his composition, "Quintet For the Spirits of ASEAN." At noon, Professor Dhamabutra will deliver the lecture, "Integrating...

School of Music faculty news updates

Fall semester is here and let's start with a quick update of notable things happening in the School of Music. The National Association of School of Music has fully reaccredited the NIU School of Music through the year 2032. Did you know that the Music Building's roof...

Pianos, digital pianos and violins for public purchase, August 14-16

The NIU School of Music is partnering with the non-profit organization, the Rockley Family Foundation to offer musical instruments at a significant discount from retail prices, August 14-16. The Rockley Family Foundation is dedicated to the support of music education,...

The big noise from the Bronx

This article originally appeared in a 2014 edition of Northern Now. by Mark McGowan They called it “Jazz Alley” – four swingin’ groups from the NIU School of Music, stationed throughout the main floor of the Holmes Student Center, jamming for the passersby. Part of...

Ron Modell leaves an incredible legacy that includes founding one of the nation’s finest jazz programs

Ron Modell, the founder of NIU's world renowned jazz program passed away, Tuesday, June 10 at his DeKalb home. An accomplished musician, Modell joined NIU's School of Music faculty in 1969 and quickly created the jazz program and established the NIU Jazz Ensemble as...

NIU Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico to perform at White Sox Mexican Heritage Night

NIU Mariachi and Ballet Folklórico have have been selected to perform at the Chicago White Sox Mexican Heritage Night, Friday, June 6. The NIU groups will perform during the break between the bottom of the third and top of the fourth innings. Game time is 6:40 p.m. as...

More Amor, featuring Bobby Broom reaches #1 on Jazz Week’s charts

The album More Amor, a tribute to Wes Montgomery by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra and featuring Bobby Broom, reached number one on Jazz Week's North American Jazz Radio chart this summer, and in total spent more than 18 weeks on the chart. The recording has been hailed...

Commencement profile – Jalen Charles, Master of Music

Congratulations to all of the spring 2025 College of Visual and Performing Arts graduates! Jalen Charles, who earned his master of music performer's certificate was profiled in the graduate ceremony. Jalen talked about his love of the steelpan, growing up in a family...

Commencement profile – Chanel Antoshin, Music Education and Flute Performance

Congratulations to all of the 2025 spring graduates from the NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts. The School of Music's Chanel Antoshin was profiled during the undergraduate commencement ceremony. Chanel earned her degree in both music education and flute...

Ethan Cowburn selected for The Kennedy Center’s Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program

Ethan Cowburn, a soon-to-gradate M.F.A. student in percussion performance in the NIU School of Music, was chosen as just one of five students in the world for the Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC this summer. The...

Overcon Duo wins annual School of Music Chamber Ensemble Competition

The Annual NIU School of Music Chamber Ensemble Competition was held, Saturday, April 5 in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Ten ensembles competed and the overall winner was the Overcon Duo of Reilly Farrell on violin and Ben Gilbert on violoncello. Three other groups...

World Music celebrates 50th anniversary with week-long festival and symposium

One of the most iconic programs at Northern Illinois University is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The School of Music boasts one of the most diverse, comprehensive and accomplished world music programs in the nation, and a week long celebration kicks off...

US Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus to perform at School of Music, April 6

The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus will perform a free concert, Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building. The theme of the concert is Sea to Shining Sea. The United States Army Field Band from...

Chinese Music Ensemble featured in NPR story about Lunar New Year

Jui-Ching Wang, professor of music and NIU coordinator of Asian studies was interviewed as part of a story by the University of Illinois' NPR affiliate, WILL-AM about the role music plays in the celebration of Lunar New Year in Chinese society. She discussed the...

NIU Wind Ensemble presents Music of Black Composers Showcase, Jan. 28

The NIU Wind Ensemble will present a special Music of Black Composers showcase concert, Tuesday, January 28 at 7 p.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Tickets are available at go.niu.edu/arts-tickets. NIU students are admitted free of charge with a reserved ticket....

Celebration commemorates 50 years since a key point in Huskie Marching Band history

For Dave Johnson and a large number of former NIU marching band members, 2024 marks a significant milestone. Formed in 1899, the Huskie Marching Band is one of the oldest university bands in the nation. Fans are familiar with the high quality of the music and...

NIU Percussion Ensemble presents Huskie Sound Garden during Homecoming week

Huskie Sound Garden - a featured event of Northern Illinois University's 117th Homecoming Celebration Tuesday, October 15, 4 p.m to 5 p.m. Huskie Sound Garden Martin Luther King Jr. Commons and surrounding areas Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Open...

NIU Philharmonic presents ¡Vamos! a Latino American Heritage Concert, Sept. 27

The NIU Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off the fall concert schedule with ¡Vamos! a Latino Heritage Month Concert. The performance features pieces written by artists from Colombia (Josh Rodriguez), Argentina (Ángel Villoldo), Chile (Alfonso Leng), Puerto Rico (Angélica...

Bryan Miller, ’98, strikes a chord with the Marching Band Alumni Council

Former Huskie Marching Band drum major Bryan Miller, ’89, brings his accomplished career as a music educator, military band conductor, professional orchestra conductor, and trumpet artist to serve on the NIU Marching Band Alumni Council (MBAC). As a lieutenant...

Steelpan Workshop open house, Sept. 27

Join us at the grand opening of the newly constructed, on-campus steelpan workshop! The workshop has a new home in the NIU Buildings Services West facility at 1615 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. An open house will be held, Friday, September 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. The open...

NIU’s Avalon String Quartet to present Dvořak’s Vision for America at PianoForte Chicago, Sept. 21

Avalon String Quartet, NIU’s quartet-in-residence in the Northern Illinois University School of Music will feature a special performance, Dvořak’s Vision For America, Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at PianoForte, 1335 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Dvořak’s Vision...

Huskie Marching Band set for trip to perform at Notre Dame

On Saturday when NIU (1-0) heads to South Bend, Indiana, for the first time ever, to take on the third ranked team in the nation in Notre Dame (1-0), the Huskie football team won't be the only NIU students performing at historic Notre Dame Stadium. The Pride of the...

Music’s Geof Bradfield’s “Colossal Abundance” releases Sept. 6

Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz studies and jazz performance in the NIU School of Music's new recording, "Colossal Abundance" will be released on Calligram Records, September 6. The recording features a 12-piece ensemble features a stellar lineup including Dana...

Support NIU Music scholarships and enjoy a 30+ year old Jazz Ensemble performance from the Rialto Square Theatre

On January 10, 1990 the NIU Jazz Ensemble (now known as the NIU Jazz Orchestra) played a concert at the iconic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois. The band had by then established a reputation as one of the very best collegiate jazz bands in the nation, a...

Music’s Bobby Broom to host a new jazz program on WNIJ 89.5

Beginning in June 2024, NIU Associate Professor of Jazz Guitar and Jazz Studies Bobby Broom will host a new original program, Jazz Spectrum, on WNIJ 89.5. Broom is a jazz guitarist and associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in NIU’s College of Visual and...

Commencement profile: Chih-I Hsiao, Master of Music

The renowned World Music program at NIU is what drew Chih-I Hsaio to DeKalb after earning his degree in Music Theory of Taiwanese traditional music at the Taipei National University of the Arts. He chose to earn a Master of Music in World Music at NIU. "I have had a...

A decade in the making, Music’s Brian Hart has edited the history of the symphony in the Americas

Brian Hart thought the hardest part of editing the fifth volume of "The Symphonic Repertoire" was going to be filling the shoes of Indiana University's Peter Brown, who had created and written much of this series, which covers the history of the musical genre of the...

Honorary degree recipient to take part in Meet the Composer talk May 10

Chinary Ung, a prominent Cambodian American composer who is the 2024 recipient of the NIU Honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree will take part in a "Meet the Composer" talk, Friday, May 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Music Library on the ground floor of the NIU...

NIU Percussion imparts a new love of samba to Project FLEX

The percussion room in the NIU Music Building is often filled with the rhythmic sounds of music from all over the world. Lunchtime Thursday, April 25 was no exception, as samba music could be heard echoing down the hallway. What was different about it was the hour of...

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition winner Jaden Teague-Núñez to perform with NIU Steelband

The first steelpan player to ever win the 2024 Crain-Mailing Foundation Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Young Artists Concerto Competition will take the stage with the world-famous NIU Steelband at their annual spring concert, Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m. in the NIU Music...

Renowned guest artists to join Reggie Thomas for final performances

Reggie Thomas is retiring after ten years as professor of music and head of jazz studies at Northern Illinois University, and his farewell performances are going to be memorable. Thomas is the director of the acclaimed NIU Jazz Orchestra, who just last year performed...

Music’s Ben Wahlund earns NIU Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction Award

From citing his keen interest in connecting with his students, to his love for, and talent with, music to his ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into a fun and interesting learning opportunity, those who voiced their support for Ben Wahlund, this year’s...

Encountering a Global Sounding World – 2024 World Music Festival

The theme of this year's NIU School of Music World Music Series is "Encountering a Global Sounding World." The festival consists of a number of recitals, concerts and a Songkran (New Year) celebration. World Music Festival Concert Series Monday, April 8, 7 p.m.,...

Spring Percussion Ensemble concert features premiere of Russell Hartenberger’s “REQUIEM”

The NIU Percussion Ensemble's spring 2024 concert features the world premiere of Russell Hartenberger’s REQUIEM, a major new multi-movement work for nine percussionists and five vocalists, as well as Steve Reich’s 1971 minimalist masterwork, DRUMMING. The concert is...

NIU spring Steelband concert features special guests and recurring favorites

The Northern Illinois University Steelband program presents its spring 2024 concert on Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. (CST). The event will be held at Boutell Memorial Concert Hallin NIU's Music Building and will feature the world renowned NIU Steelband (Liam Teague,...

Ron Carter leaves a legacy as a distinguished educator and musician

Ron Carter, professor emeritus in the NIU School of Music, directed the NIU Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Studies program for 23 years, passed away, February 24. During his time at NIU, Carter helped grow and diversify the Jazz Studies program and earn its ranking as...

Follow the live stream of the NIU Concert Band Festival, Feb. 23

The Northern Illinois University Concert Band Festival hosted by the Phantom Regiment Friday, February 23 in the Music Building at NIU. A live stream of the event is available at niu.edu/music/performances. Performances begin at 9 a.m. Phantom Regiment has hosted a...

Theatre and Dance hosts Ukrainian Play Reading project for third straight year

For the third year, the NIU School of Theatre and Dance is participating in the Ukrainian Play Reading Project. On Saturday, February 24 they will host a live reading of "Bad Roads" by Natal'ya Vorozhbit, in the O'Connell Theatre in NIU's Stevens Building from noon to...

Music’s Christopher Scanlon appearing in Chicago Shakespeare’s new musical “Illinoise”

Christopher Scanlon, assistant professor of trumpet and brass area coordinator in the NIU School of Music is performing in Illinoise, a musical opening at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre January 28 and running through February 18. Music and lyrics for the show were...

Just Dream It: Randiss “Wonder” Hopkins, ’17, inspires Nike’s global design community

Randiss "Wonder" Hopkins, '17, experienced a dream in his youth that propelled him to do backflips—literally. The dream and the events immediately following have led Hopkins to live and work with the mindset, "If you can dream it, you can do it." Hopkins recounts the...

World-renowned duo Christian Lindberg and Roland Pöntinen to perform at NIU, Jan. 16

For more than 40 years the world renowned duo of trombonist Christian Lindberg and pianist Roland Pöntinen have performed around the world and recorded more than 20 albums together. On Tuesday, January 16 they will perform in concert at Boutell Memorial Concert Hall...

NIU Jazztet featured on this year’s NIU Foundation Holiday Card

The Northern Illinois University Foundation's annual holiday e-card featured four special guests this year. The NIU Jazztet, made up of jazz studies majors Ryan Bills, Isiah Jones Jr. Sid Smith IV and Nat Lin appeared in the video message playing "Let It Snow" on the...

Commencement profile: Sid Smith IV, School of Music

Sid Smith IV, who earned his Master of Music in jazz studies from the NIU School of Music in December was featured with a video during the Graduate Commencement Ceremony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVtclDtUjy0 Congratulations to Sid and to all of the fall 2023...

Avalon String Quartet and NIU School of Music announce return of Graduate String Quartet in Residence

The Avalon String Quartet and the Northern Illinois University School of Music are excited to relaunch the Graduate String Quartet in Residence, a fully-funded opportunity for graduate study at NIU. Quartet members may pursue the MM degree or a Performers Certificate,...

Four NIU alumni marched in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

NIU alumni Michael Embrey, Jake Walker, Annette Hackbarth and Bernard "BJ" Long Jr. marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, November 23. They were part of the 408-member Band Directors Marching Band which features band directors from all 50...

NIU welcomes musician, dancer and storyteller Jen Shyu for interdisciplinary residence program

Collaborating with Graduate Colloquium Program, Honors College, Asian American Resource Center and Asian American Studies, the School of Music is excited to welcome performing artist, award-winning musician, dancer, and storyteller Jen Shyu to NIU for an...

Composer Shawn Okpebholo to premiere new composition with NIU Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony

Critically acclaimed, award-winning composer Shawn E. Okpebholo is working with the NIU School of Music for the world premiere of his new composition, "Gale and Zephyr" at a joint concert featuring the Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony, Tuesday, November 28 at 7 p.m. in...

Enjoy upcoming performances by the School of Music in Chicago

NIU's Golden Hour Showcase series opens Oct. 12 at the Epiphany Center for the Arts Join the Northern Illinois University School of Music for the first of their performances at Chicago’s Epiphany Center for the Arts Golden Hour Concert Series, Thursday, October 12...

NIU presents 23-24 International Guitar Series

Once again, NIU will present a series of recitals featuring some of the most talented guitarists in the world. The 2023-2024 Northern Illinois University International Guitar Series begins, Sunday, September 24 with Waller and Maxwell Guitar Duo, at 3 p.m. in the...

Three from School of Music receive Illinois Arts Council Fellowships

Three members of the NIU School of Music were honored with 2023 Artist Fellowship Awards from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Liam Teague, NIU Board of Trustees Professor, Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor and Head of Steelpan Studies and...

Music alumna Marybeth Kurnat’s new NIU inspired work to debut at PREMIERE|Project Festival

A chance encounter with another choral composer in southern Ohio set off a chain of events that will result in School of Music alumna Marybeth Kurnat's new piece debuting at the PREMIER|Project Festival in Irvine, California, June 27-June 30. Kurnat earned her degree...

Graduate Profile: Kirby Fellis, MFA in Jazz Performance

Congratulations to all of our graduates. We look forward to seeing all of the great things you do. This profile on Kirby Fellis, who earned his MFA in Jazz Performance from the NIU School of Music was featured during commencement ceremonies over the weekend. ...

School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance collaborate on “The Rite of Spring”

The NIU Philharmonic Orchestra will perform selections from Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" at their spring concert and they will be joined for those selections by students from the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. The concert is Wednesday, April 26 at 7 p.m....

Brian Penkrot performs at Mission Creek Festival with BCJsPs

Brian Penkrot, instructor of music theory, aural skills and composition in the NIU School of Music performed at the Mission Creek Festival in Iowa City, Iowa, April 6-8. The festival annually brings together authors, publishers and musicians from across the nation....

NIU Steelband celebrates 50th anniversary with concert April 16

The world-famous NIU Steelband celebrates 50 years with an anniversary concert, Sunday, April 16 at 3 p.m. in the NIU Music Building's Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for NIU students. The concert will feature the NIU...

Music Library hosting AAPI Heritage Month exhibits focused on NIU music faculty

To recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, the NIU Music Library is hosting both digital and physical exhibits on the subject featuring the School of Music's faculty. The physical exhibit is located in the vestibule of the Music Library (main...

NIU’s annual World Music festival features five free concerts

The NIU School of Music is collaborating with the NIU Division of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Asian American Certificate Program; Latino Resource Center; and Asian American Resource Center to put together the 2023 World Music Festival, Many Voices, One...

Check out a variety of NIU Music groups at Chicago Epiphany Center’s “Golden Hour” April 6

For the first-time, groups from the NIU School of Music will be performing at the Chicago Epiphany Center of the Arts' "Golden Hour" Thursday, April 6 beginning at 5 p.m. Golden Hour is actually three hours of free live music in the Epiphany Center's beautiful...

Student-faculty concert to feature Joseph Klein’s Canetti-menagerie, March 9

Dr. Joseph Klein, distinguished teaching professor and chair of composition studies at the University of North Texas College of Music will visit the NIU School of Music, March 9-10. Highlighting the visit is a student-faculty concert, Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m., in...

School of Music’s Bobby Broom to present master class highlighting release of “Keyed Up”

Bobby Broom, an internationally renowned guitarist and associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies at the NIU School of Music, is hosting a master class, Thursday, March 23 at 11 a.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building. The masterclass...

Cor Cantiamo continues its tradition of providing performance opportunities for high school singers with professionals

Cor Cantiamo, the choral ensemble in residence at the NIU School of Music, has a pair of exciting performances this March. Cor Cantiamo is directed by Eric Johnson, professor of music and coordinator of choral activities at NIU. Saturday March 4, Gordon Bennett Hall,...

Bobby Broom featured on VOA’s “Jazz From the Heart of America”

Bobby Broom, associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music was recently featured on Voice of America's series, "Jazz From the Heart of America." "Jazz From the Heart of America" is a weekly show that offers the best in jazz, present...

Brass Quintet to compete in national competition

NIU's Graduate Brass Quintet has been selected to compete in the first-ever National Brass Quintet Competition at the Texas State University campus in San Marcos, Texas, April 14-15. They are one of only nine collegiate brass quintets selected from all over the...

Moe Lincoln has two NIU degrees and a limitless career as Kingsley

When Moe Lincoln finds something she wants to do she makes it her own. Whether it's her signature sound performing as the artist Kingsley, her signature look (think very regal and very purple), or her signature lipstick collection through Event Cosmetics, no detail is...

Jazz at the Egyptian to feature NIU Jazz Orchestra and local high school jazz bands

You can enjoy some of the NIU Jazz Orchestra's songs from their set at the 2023 Jack Rudin Jazz Championships at Lincoln Center when they perform as part of the annual Jazz at the Egyptian, Saturday February 4. Jazz at the Egyptian features the NIU Jazz Orchestra,...

NIU Jazz Orchestra brings awards home from Lincoln Center performances

The NIU Jazz Orchestra was one of only nine collegiate jazz groups to participate in the 2023 Jack Rudin Jazz Championships held at New York City's Lincoln Center, January 14 and 15. The Jazz Orchestra earned five awards at the competition. Outstanding Drums - Pete...

NIU Concert Choir and NIU Black Choir to perform at Mavis Staples concert, Feb. 3

The NIU Concert Choir and NIU Black Choir will have the unique and exciting opportunity to perform on the same stage as music legend Mavis Staples as part of her concert, February 3 at 8 p.m. at DeKalb's Egyptian Theatre. A limited number of free tickets are available...

NIU hosts visiting lecture on “Defining Tunes of the Chinese Diaspora”

The NIU School of Music and World Music Club are two of the sponsors of an NIU Asian American Lecture Series presentation on "Defining Tunes of the Chinese Diaspora" by Dr. Nancy Yunhwa Rao, Professor of Music, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University....

Avalon String Quartet Jan. 27 performance features a world premiere by Stacy Garrop

Avalon String Quartet, ensemble-in-residence in the Northern Illinois University School of Music's January 27 performance (7 p.m., Recital Hall) will feature music by Joseph Haydn and Johannes Brahms, and the world premiere of a piece for string quartet and narrator...

School of Music hosting reception at IMEC, January 27

Join the NIU School of Music for a reception at the Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC), Friday, January 27 in the Cheminee Ballroom of the Pere Marquette Hotel in Peoria from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The NIU Jazztet will perform at the reception and there will...

How to watch the NIU Jazz Orchestra compete at Lincoln Center this weekend

The NIU Jazz Orchestra is one of only 10 collegiate jazz programs invited to participate in the 2023 Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jack Rudin Jazz Championships in New York City. The competition is a two-day invitational, January 14-15. The championships are held...

Graduate profile: Austin Cruz, School of Music

Congratulations to all of the new alumni of the College of Visual and Performing Arts who graduated last weekend. One of the featured students at the commencement ceremony for students from the Graduate School was the School of Music's Austin Cruz who received his...

Graduate profile: Steffi Delgado, School of Music

Congratulations to all of the new alumni of the College of Visual and Performing Arts who graduated last weekend. One of the featured students at the commencement ceremony for students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, College of Liberal Arts and...

Liam Teague honored with Key to the City of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

Liam Teague, NIU Board of Trustees professor, presidential research, scholarship and artistry professor and head of steelpan studies in the NIU School of Music was honored with the Key to the City of San Fernando in his native country of Trinidad and Tobago at a...

NIU Philharmonic Orchestra to perform “Oratorio Without Words: Edward Elgar and Alice Mary Smith” Nov. 21

The Northern Illinois University Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Wilbur Lin, assistant professor of music at NIU, will perform "Oratorio Without Words: Edward Elgar and Alice Mary Smith," Monday, November 21 at 7 p.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in NIU's...

NIU Jazz Orchestra to preview their Lincoln Center set at concert Nov. 17

The Northern Illinois University Jazz Orchestra will be heading to New York City in January to compete in the third annual Rudin Jazz Championship at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and you can get a preview of that performance at...

Ron Carter to be awarded The Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor

Ron Carter, the world-famous former director of Jazz Studies at NIU will be awarded The Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor, Wednesday, December 21 at McCormick Place Convention Center during this year's Midwest Clinic. It is the world's largest instrumental music education...

Music’s Bobby Broom featured as one of Chicago’s Very Own on WGN-TV News

Bobby Broom, associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies was featured as one of "Chicago's Very Own" on WGN-TV News. Broom discussed his passion for playing music and teaching, and School of Music students Jackson Wheeler and Alejandra Hernandez were also...

Illinois Brass Band to perform at NIU, Nov. 13

The Illinois Brass Band, a group made up of 30 volunteer musicians dedicated to bringing British-style brass band music to audiences in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, will perform in concert, Sunday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the NIU School of Music in Boutell...

NIU Hosts Summit on Urban Music Education, Oct. 28-29

The Northern Illinois University School of Music is hosting a Summit on Urban Music Education, Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29. Mary Lynn Doherty, assistant director of the School of Music, associate professor of music, and coordinator of music education...

10th Anniversary NIU New Music Festival to feature two guest alumnae composers and several special guest performers

The NIU New Music Festival celebrates its tenth year with three consecutive evenings of music November 2, 3, and 4, 2022. The evening programs begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are available through the online School of Music Box Office. Here's a look back at the history of...

School of Music’s Bobby Broom to present master class highlighting release of “Keyed Up”

Update: 10/18/22 - This event will be rescheduled for a later date. Bobby Broom, an internationally renowned guitarist and associate professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies at the NIU School of Music, is hosting a master class, Friday, October 21 at noon in Boutell...

Performing Southeast Asia exhibition open now at NIU’s Pick Museum

"Performing Southeast Asia" has been curated in collaboration with faculty and students from the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, and considers the role of performance in Southeast Asia, from popular music to traditional dance. The exhibition runs from September 8,...

Student Frederick McClure credits Patterson Scholarship for musical therapy vision

As part of this week's Homecoming festivities, a ceremony is being held at 3 p.m.., Friday, October 7, for the re-naming of New Hall as the Fanny Ruth Patterson Complex, in honor of NIU's first African-American graduate. A scholarship established to honor Patterson...

Music students can see Paragon Ragtime Orchestra live at the Egyptian Theatre for FREE

The 14-piece Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, who plays live scores to complete silent films, will be appearing at DeKalb's historic Egyptian Theatre, Sunday, October 2 at 3 p.m. and NIU School of Music students are invited to attend FREE, simply by showing their NIU...

School of Music online merchandise shop open now

It's back! The NIU School of Music is once again offering a variety of branded items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, quarter zips, hats, water bottles, sweatpants and more, through an online merchandise store at: niumusic.itemorder.com. The temporary site will...

NIU Large Ensemble Concerts for Fall

There is something for music lovers of all kinds at the NIU School of Music this fall. The School of Music has talented ensembles in jazz, winds, orchestra, percussion, choral, world music and our famous NIU Steelband for you to choose from. Tickets are only $5 for...

NIU’s Yuko Asada featured in new “Women in Pan” web series

Yuko Asada, Musical Instrument Technician and Director of the CSA Steelband in the NIU School of Music is one of four pioneers of steelpan highlighted in the 10-episode web series "Women of Pan." A new episode premieres each Friday, and the the first two installments...

Alumni band members invited back for two special performance celebrations

As part of our 115th Homecoming festivities, the Huskie Marching Band invites all alumni back to campus to participate in two special performance celebrations. In addition to Saturday's annual Fill the Field event at Huskie Stadium, all School of Music and Huskie...

Avalon String Quartet to premiere a commissioned work based on Seven Ages of Man

The Avalon String Quartet, artists in residence at the NIU School of Music will perform an original composition based on one of Shakespeare's most famous speeches. Seven Ages of Man will be premiere, Wednesday, September 7 at 7 p.m. in the NIU Music Building Recital...

The Big Sing featuring NIU and local high school choirs returns to the Egyptian Theatre

An exciting choral concert that includes performances by professional, collegiate, and high school choirs returns to the Egyptian Theatre for a second straight year, Sunday, September 18 at 3 p.m. “The Big Sing” brings together the finest choral ensembles in DeKalb...

Banda NIU receives grant from the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation

Banda NIU, an ensemble in the NIU School of Music that honors the tradition of the great Bandas of the western Mexican state of Sinaloa, has received a program grant of nearly $5,000 from the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation to support music education outreach activities...

Google Doodle on steelpan has NIU tie-in

It's probably not a surprise that when you see an example of steelpan in popular culture that there's a tie-in to the NIU School of Music's Steelpan Studies program. Not only does NIU boast the oldest university steelband in the nation, but there has been an...

Five NIU music students selected for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy

Five students from the NIU School of Music have been selected as one of just four combo/small ensemble groups from around the nation to participate in this year's Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy in Aspen, Colorado. The NIU combo is named Northern Collective and is made up...

School of Music Professor Geof Bradfield named a City of Chicago Esteemed Artist for 2022

Geof Bradfield, professor jazz studies in the NIU School of Music, has been named one of the City of Chicago's Esteemed Artists for 2022. Bradfield was one of only four musicians to receive this recognition this year. The award includes $15,000 to use to support any...

Arman Sangalang recipient of fellowship from Jazz Institute of Chicago

Arman Sangalang, who just earned his MFA in Jazz Studies from the NIU School of Music is serving a two-year fellowship with the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Sangalang, a saxophonist and composer, received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University earned the Jazz...

CVPA alums feature prominently in Netflix’s “Senior Year”

The new Netflix movie Senior Year features Rebel Wilson playing Stephanie, who was injured in a cheerleading stunt when she was 17 only to wake from a coma 20 years later and insisting on returning to finish out her senior year of high school and attend her prom. Mary...

School of Music’s Gregory Beyer and percussion alumni featured on PBS’s “Now Hear This”

Gregory Beyer, Professor and Director of Percussion Studies in the NIU School of Music and percussion alumni Ethan Martin and Noel Streacker were recently featured on PBS' "Now Hear This." The three are part of Arcomusical, made up of Beyer and NIU Percussion graduate...

May 1 NIU Philharmonic concert a tribute to Jan Bach

The Northern Illinois University Philharmonic Orchestra is dedicating their upcoming concert to Dr. Jan Bach, an award-winning composer, musician and educator who passed away in 2020. The concert is Sunday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the...

School of Music’s Liam Teague selected as 2022 NIU Board of Trustees Professor

Liam Teague, Professor of Music and Head of Steelpan Studies in the School of Music has added to his impressive list of accomplishments with his selection as a 2022 Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees Professor. Liam Teague has been selected as a 2022...

Celebrate Thai New year with NIU

As part of NIU's World Music Festival you can celebrate Thai New Year with the NIU School of Music. On Thursday, April 14, the Music Building will be the site of a Songkran Thai New Year Celebration hosted by the NIU Thai Language Program and the NIU Thai Music...

Malika Green, ’05, M.M. ’07, Forges Passion for Jewelry-Making Into Business

Malika Green has always been an artistic soul, and her passion for creating has manifested itself in several ways and stages throughout her life. Growing up in Maryland in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Green was always an introvert, but she never shied away from...

World Music Festival features six free concerts over five nights

The annual World Music Festival in the NIU School of Music features six concerts between April 11 and 16. All concerts are free to attend. Monday, April 11 Japanese Taiko Concert Boutell Memorial Concert Hall 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 Chinese Music Concert Recital...

Steelband concert features guest artists, new songs, old favorites and more

The annual spring concert of the NIU Steelband, All-University Steelband, and CSA Steelband features guest vocalists, musicians, the DeKalb High School Steelband, the DeKalb High School Treble Symphonic Choir, Banda NIU, Dance Dimensions Company and more. The concert...

School of Music online merchandise shop taking orders through April 22

The NIU School of Music will offer a variety of branded items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, quarter zips, hats, water bottles, sweatpants and more, through an online merchandise store at: niumusic.itemorder.com. The temporary site will be live until April 22, and...

Music alum Matt Novack composes music for new Netflix series

Matt Novack, a 2002 graduate of the NIU School of Music with a degree in music composition, served as the music composer for the new Netflix series Murderville. Murderville is a comedy starring Will Arnett with improvised elements, including a new guest star homicide...

School of Music’s Gregory Beyer releases third album with non-profit organization, Arcomusical

NIU School of Music Professor Gregory Beyer, Director of Percussion Studies in the School of Music, is the artistic director of Arcomusical, a DeKalb-based non-profit with a mission to spread the joy of the berimbau Afro-Brazilian musical bow. Since 2016, the...

NIU’s Opera Theatre presents “The Happy Prince” and a tribute to Stephen Sondheim, April 1 and 3

Northern Illinois University will present both the one-act opera The Happy Prince and a tribute to American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with performances Friday, April 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 3 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the NIU Music Building....

School of Music students present benefit concert for Ukraine, March 25

Students from the Northern Illinois University School of Music will present a benefit concert organized to raise awareness and aid for Ukraine, Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building on NIU's main campus. Performers from the...

School of Music’s Rodrigo Villanueva receives Fulbright Scholarship Award

NIU School of Music Professor of Jazz Studies Rodrigo Villanueva has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to spend four months in Brazil researching Afro-Brazilian rhythms and teaching at two universities, the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (May 1 through...

Robert Sims featured in PBS American Masters film on Marian Anderson

Robert Sims, professor of music in the NIU School of Music is featured in a PBS American Masters documentary film on renowned American vocalist Marian Anderson. Sims worked as a music consultant, interviewee and actor on the project. "I was honored to be included in...

Gay Magnus, M.M. ’03, Leads Alpha School of Music in Jamaica

Music has called Gay Magnus, M.M. ’03, back home. Today, as the director of the music program for the Alpha School of Music in Kingston, Jamaica, she has the opportunity to instill in young students a passion for music she...

Free NIU student tickets for Jazz at the Egyptian, Feb. 5

DeKalb's iconic Egyptian Theatre hosts the Fifth Annual Jazz at the Egyptian, Saturday night, February 5 at 7 p.m. The concert features the NIU Jazz Orchestra, Jazz in Progress, the DeKalb High School Jazz Ensemble and the Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble. Tickets...

NIU Chamber Choir and Percussion Ensemble to perform Misa Criolla at Illinois Music Educator’s Conference

NIU Professor of Music and Head of Choral Studies Eric Johnson had been waiting to have just the right mix of the number and kind of singers to take on a piece by Argentinian composer Ariel Ramírez, and last spring he had that mix, and enlisted the help of two fellow...

School of Music Sondheim tribute accepting auditions from students of any major by Jan. 28

SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 28 The School of Music and the Opera Department would like to offer an open call for students at NIU to be part of a Stephen Sondheim Tribute. Since the school is online the first week of school, it is asked that interested...

School of Music takes the show on the road to Indiana

The Indiana Music Education Association Professional Development Conference in Ft. Wayne will have a distinct northern Illinois feel to it this weekend. Not only has Reggie Thomas, Professor and Head of Jazz Studies at NIU been asked to direct the Indiana All-State...

Dan Nichols named Chicagoan of the Year for Classical Music by Chicago Tribune

Dan Nichols, Head of Recording Services in the NIU School of Music has been named Chicagoan of the Year for Classical Music by the Chicago Tribune for the work his multimedia production company, Aphorism Studios has done in the past as "one of Chicago’s fastest-rising...

School of Music Professor Emeritus Robert Reeves passes away at 80

Robert Reeves, emeritus professor of the NIU School of Music passed away December 29, 2021 in Sarasota, Fla. Reeves was Professor of Organ at NIU from the 1970s through the mid 1990s. He was instrumental in the project to have the concert organ in Boutell Memorial...

Commencement profile: Jaron Woodsley, Steel Pan Studies

Jason Woodsley, a December graduate of the NIU School of Music was featured in this video profile that ran during the ceremony. Congratulations to Jaron and to all of our newest alumni. https://youtu.be/4B6ZZGnmfpo

125th Anniversary event: Celebration Showcase of Southeast Asian Performing Arts

Don't forget the NIU 12th Anniversary event: Celebration Showcase of Southeast Asian Performing Arts, Friday, November 5 at 7 p.m. in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building on the NIU main campus.

Concerto Competition Final Round – November 6

A long running tradition continues when the NIU School of Music holds the final round of its annual Concerto Competition, Saturday, November 6 in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Performances start at 4 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Here are the performers and...

NIU Steelpan students crowdfunding receives attention in Trinidad and Tobago

A crowdfunding campaign supported by the NIU School of Music and the NIU Foundation to help support the expenses of three NIU Steelpan Studies graduate studies from Trinidad and Tobago was recently featured in their home country's largest newspaper, The Guardian....

From wayang to gamelan, NIU presents a Showcase of Southeast Asian Performing Arts, Nov. 5

Ever since last spring’s pandemic shutdown, NIU Center for Southeast Asian Studies associate Jui-Ching Wang, professor of world music, looked forward to rescheduling what was going to be a showcase of Southeast Asian performing arts to celebrate NIU’s 125th...

AAPI Faculty and Staff reception to follow Classical Guitar recital by An Tran, Nov. 16

Immediately following a faculty recital, Tuesday, November 16, by the NIU School of Music's internationally acclaimed classical guitarist An Tran, an AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) faculty and staff reception will be held in the lobby of the Boutell...

Ninth annual NIU New Music Festival to feature guest composer Regina Harris Baiocchi and Haiku Festival Chicago

FEATURING: A composer portrait of music by Chicago-based composer Regina Harris Baiocchi A night of brand new music in conjunction and celebration with Haiku Festival Chicago Premieres of sixteen new works by NIU student and faculty composers NIU School of Music...

Crowdfund established to support three Steelpan grad students from Trinidad and Tobago with their studies

The NIU Foundation has established a crowdfunding campaign to support three School of Music graduate students from Trinidad and Tobago who are earning their master's degrees in music with an emphasis in steelpan performance at NIU. Joshua Bedeau, Jalen Charles and...

Huskie Marching Band to perform at Bears-Bengals game Sunday

Halftime of Sunday's game at Soldier Field between the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals will feature the Pride of the Midwest, the NIU Huskie Marching Band! If you're not going to that game, you can next see the band in action at the next home NIU football game,...

NIU, area high schools present The Big Sing to celebrate choral music

A live choral concert with a chance for the community to sing-a-long at various points, promises to be a fun-filled afternoon at the newly renovated Egyptian Theatre, September 19 at 3 p.m. "The Big Sing" features local choral ensembles Cor Cantiamo, the Northern...

Pokorny Low Brass Seminar brought musicians from all over the country to NIU this summer

For four days late in July, the NIU Music Building was full of the sounds of some of the best tuba and trombone players from around the country sharing tips, learning new things and enjoying being able to play in person with others for the first time in a while. NIU...

Own an iconic School of Music Recital Hall chair

Anyone who has attended a recital at the NIU School of Music in the last 40 years has had the opportunity to sit in an iconic Herman Miller Eames chair. Now, you have the opportunity to own one (or more) of those chairs. The School of Music has replaced the chairs as...

NIU School of Music well represented on Corn Fest Community Stage

Several ensembles from the Northern Illinois University School of Music will be performing on the Community Stage at this year's DeKalb Corn Fest. The Community Stage is located in the newly renovated (and air conditioned!) Egyptian Theatre. There is no entry fee and...

Music Ed alum Eric Caliendo shares “The Chicago Experience”

When Eric Caliendo, ‘91, earned his bachelor’s in music education, it was no surprise when he began a career as a music teacher in Schaumburg, Illinois. Today, as the band director at Jane Addams Jr. High School in Schaumburg, Caliendo has been teaching in the same...

CVPA’s Christopher Scanlon joins Chicago based, award winning chamber ensemble, Axiom Brass

Christopher Scanlon, assistant professor of trumpet in the NIU School of Music has joined the award-winning ensemble Axiom Brass. Described as “exceptional ambassadors for classical music” and “innovative programmers” Axiom Brass pairs newer works by composers such as...

Graduation Stories: Izabella Gieron, BM Music Education and Violin Performance, independent study orchestral conducting

Izabella Gieron was one of a brand new group of NIU alumni to be able to attend an in-person commencement ceremony. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Violin Performance with independent study in orchestral conducting. She was also featured in the...

NIU awards steelpan innovator Anthony Williams an honorary doctorate in human letters

One of the most unique and iconic aspects of the School of Music at Northern Illinois University, and the university as a whole, is the success and prominence of its Steelpan program. It is fitting that a man who has had both a direct and indirect influence will have...

Huskie Spotlight: Matthew Kiser

Matthew Kiser Bachelor's in Music Performance, emphasis in Steelpan Studies What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path? As a kid, my interests were always evolving and changing. I always was...

NIU Philharmonic Orchestra joins Rockford Symphony Orchestra for “The Orchestra Sings” online

Due to the pandemic, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra's annual Youth Concert for students in grades three through five was not able to proceed “as usual.” However, the RSO wanted to find a way to offer the concert because it is a valuable experience for the students...

Huskie Spotlight: Izabella Gieron

Izabella Gieron Spring 2021 graduate, Bachelor's in Music Education and Violin Performance, Independent Study in Orchestral Conducting "I decided to study these majors because I want to be able to share my knowledge and passion for music through playing, teaching, and...

An internship provided Izabella Gieron the conducting experience she’s long waited for

Izabella Gieron knew she wanted to be a conductor since high school, and as she completes her degree in the NIU School of Music, an internship this year with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) has given her the chance to get hands-on experience. “My high...

Reggie and Mardra Thomas featured in immersive online experience “Into The Mist”

Reggie Thomas, professor of music and head of jazz studies and his wife, jazz vocalist Mardra Thomas are part of the cast of characters and performers in the immersive, online musical experience, "Into the Mist" developed by Evanston artist Steve Rashid. Into the...

April 22 Wind Symphony concert to feature world premiere music

As the spring semester nears an end, the NIU School of Music presents a special Wind Symphony concert that will not only showcase the hard work of NIU students, but will also feature a pair of premieres of newly composed music. The concert will feature the world...

David Maki named finalist in Zodiac International Music Competition

David Maki, professor and coordinator of composition and theory in the NIU School of Music is a finalist in the Third Zodiac International Music Competition in the composers category. The Third Zodiac International Music Competition aims to discover exceptional...

Learning to take risks at NIU helped Jermaine Stegall’s work on “Coming 2 America”

For Jermaine Stegall, composing the music for the long-awaited sequel to the Eddie Murphy hit movie "Coming To America" came with a set of challenges, seen and unforeseen, but the final product reflects a film where music is as much of a character as any of the...

Alexis Lamb earns scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters

Alexis C. Lamb, an alumna of the NIU School of Music with bachelor of music degrees in both percussion performance and music education, has been selected as one of six winners of the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Lamb studied...

Dr. Philip Ewell to discuss “Music Theory’s White Racial Frame” at School of Music Convocation

Dr. Philip Ewell, associate professor of music theory at Hunter College of the City University of New York will discuss "Music Theory's White Racial Frame" at the School of Music All-Student Convocation, Thursday, February 18 at 11 a.m. The convocation will be...

CSA Steelband concert live on YouTube, Dec. 5

Enjoy the Community School of the Arts (CSA) Steelband and Friends LIVE CONCERT online this Saturday, December 5 starting at 5:00 pm on YouTube. Under the direction of NIU's Yuko Asada, the CSA Steelband has prepared a fun and uplifting music program for all to enjoy...

Bobby Broom featured in DownBeat magazine’s annual reader’s poll

Bobby Broom, assistant professor of jazz guitar and jazz studies in the School of Music was featured, for the second time in five years, in DownBeat magazine's annual reader's poll edition. In the December 2020 issue, Broom was chosen as one of the top guitarists in...

Kelly Clarkson “Zoom crashes” NIU Music Education alumna’s online class

Amanda Brex-Castillo, the choral director at South Elgin High School and Kenyon Woods Middle School, received an unexpected visitor during one of her recent South Elgin online classes. Three-time Grammy Award winner Kelly Clarkson popped into the Zoom stream to...

University Chorus creates a ‘musical postcard’ for the campus

Singers in the NIU University Chorus, conducted by Mary Lynn Doherty, Assistant Director of the School of Music, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Music Education, received a little extra assignment as they were learning the four part arrangement to the NIU Alma...

“Follow Us Home” Huskie Marching Band 2020 Homecoming performance

Homecoming at NIU was a little different this year, with COVID-19 restrictions in place and a MAC football season that doesn't start until November, but the Pride of the Midwest, the Huskie Marching Band put together a halftime show for everyone to enjoy in the...

Music to Her Ears: Scholarship helps Vieyra share the joy of music

Elizabeth Vieyra was little when she first noticed some of her peers did not have the same opportunities she did. Vieyra was always musically inclined, playing flute and violin. But she realized not everyone in her hometown of Aurora who wanted to take up an...

Geof Bradfield and this “temporary trio” featured on NPR’s Fresh Air

Geof Bradfield, professor of jazz saxophone and jazz studies in the NIU School of Music was part of a feature on NPR's "Fresh Air" about the release of his trio's new album "General Semantics." Fresh Air's jazz critic Kevin Whitehead described the new effort, "Reed...

Listen to some of our greatest hits as you run the Virtual Corn Classic

The relatively new tradition of hearing songs performed by members of the NIU School of Music as you run the course of the annual Corn Classic continues this year, even as the race has gone virtual. The Corn Classic, now in its 40th year, allows runners to choose...

Avalon String Quartet to live stream concert, Sept. 10

The award-winning Avalon String Quartet, artists-in-residence at the NIU School of Music will perform via live stream, Thursday, September 10 from the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall at 7 p.m. A limited number of seats are available due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please...

Five faculty earn rank of full professor in School of Music

Five faculty members in the NIU School of Music have earned the rank of professor. JeongSoo Kim, Jui-Ching Wang and Marie Wang are the first females to earn promotion to full professor since Edna Williams became Professor of Voice in 1987. JeongSoo Kim is Professor of...

School of Music Convocation to feature world premiere of the film “If You Didn’t Laugh”, Sept. 10

An upcoming NIU School of Music convocation will feature the world-premiere of Kenneth McQueenie's film, "If You Didn't Laugh" inspired by the music of John Kenny. Both McQueenie and Kenny will join the convocation's live stream for a question and answer session,...

Music’s Benjamin Firer named Music Director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony

Benjamin Firer, a visiting assistant professor who directs the NIU Philharmonic and teaches music theory, orchestration and orchestral literature in the NIU School of Music, has been named the Music Director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony for the 2020-2021 season....

Music’s Gregory Beyer excited to be part of the Grossman Ensemble’s first album

The Grossman Ensemble, a "supergroup" made up of 13 contemporary music specialists in residence at the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition, has released their first album, "Fountain of Time." Gregory Beyer, professor of music and director of percussion studies...

NIU Steelpan and Percussion studios present an online Welcome Back concert, Sept. 1

Your wait for live music to enjoy from the NIU School of Music is over. Join the NIU Steelpan Studio and NIU Percussion Studio and friends as they present an online Welcome Back concert, Tuesday, September 1, live streamed on the NIU School of Music website. The...

Scott Metlicka joins faculty of School of Music to teach flute

Scott Metlicka, a 1993 graduate of NIU, has returned to his alma mater to join the faculty of the School of Music to teach flute. Metlicka is an accomplished performer and educator with prior teaching experience at NIU. In 2010 he served as a sabbatical replacement in...

Guitarist An Tran joins School of Music faculty

An Tran, an international soloist with roots in world music has joined the NIU School of Music's faculty to teach classical guitar. Tran is an internationally acclaimed Vietnamese classical guitarist who has won more than 13 international competitions and awards....

School of Music Black Lives Matter statement

Music’s Mary Lynn Doherty to present at ILCMP summer session

Mary Lynn Doherty, associate professor of music and coordinator of music education in the NIU School of Music is one of the presenters at this summer's Illinois Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (ILCMP) professional development seminar. ILCMP is...

NIU Music Library curates a look at protest music through history

The Music Library at Northern Illinois University has curated an exhibit titled, "Just Give Me My Equality: A Look At Protest Music Through History." The exhibit is available online and select items will be featured in the display cases in the lobby of Boutell...

Music alumna Amy Jensen selected as RSO outstanding music educator

Amy Jensen, who earned her Master of Music from NIU in 2007, has been named the 2020 outstanding music educator by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Jensen has taught music at Hononegah High School in Rockton, Ill. for 30 years, serving as choir director, music theory...

Grad profiles – Dajhumbay Russell

The spring class of 2020 hasn’t had a traditional conclusion to their studies, but they do have a lot of great stories. Over the summer months we’ll be profiling some of them. Dajhumbay Russell Degree Earned: Bachelors of Arts in Music Education and Music Performance...

Grad Profiles – Andrew Brimm

The spring class of 2020 hasn’t had a traditional conclusion to their studies, but they do have a lot of great stories. Over the summer months we’ll be profiling some of them. Andrew Brimm Degree earned: Bachelors in Music Education with a focus on instrumental...

Huskie Marching Band alumni present the virtual fight song

Under the direction of Tom Bough, director of athletic bands, and wind symphony conductor, nearly 60 alumni members of the NIU Huskie Marching Band present the NIU Fight Song.

Music Building sidewalk to be site of memorial walk, June 11

"Say Their Names" a memorial walk to honor the memory of unarmed victims of police violence will be held, Saturday, June 13 on the sidewalk on the east side of the NIU Music Building at 550 Lucinda Avenue. The walk has been organized by a number of students from the...

Grad Profiles – Kristin Brandt

The spring class of 2020 hasn’t had a traditional conclusion to their studies, but they do have a lot of great stories. Over the summer months we’ll be profiling some of them. Kristin Brandt Degree earned – Master of Music in Music Education Hometown - Freeport, Ill....

Grad Profiles – Sarah Castro

Recent NIU graduates haven’t had a traditional conclusion to their studies, but they do have a lot of great stories. Over the summer months we’ll be profiling some of them. Sarah Castro Degree Earned: Bachelor of Music in Music Education with an emphasis in Voice...

Grad Profiles – Paul Perrilles

The spring class of 2020 hasn't had a traditional conclusion to their studies, but they do have a lot of great stories. Over the summer months we'll be profiling some of them. Paul Perrilles Degree Earned: Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Hometown: Peoria High...

Grad profiles – Jorge Brito

The spring class of 2020 hasn't had a traditional conclusion to their studies, but they do have a lot of great stories. Over the summer months we'll be profiling some of them. Jorge Brito Degree earned - Bachelor of Music, Emphasis in Music Education Minor in Spanish...

Grad Profiles – Ricardo Quiñonez

The spring class of 2020 hasn't had a traditional conclusion to their studies, but they do have a lot of great stories. Over the summer months we'll be profiling some of them. Ricardo Quiñonez Degree earned - Double Major in Music Education and Music Performance...

Grad Profiles – Robyn Clarke

The spring class of 2020 hasn't had a traditional conclusion to their studies, but they do have a lot of great stories. Over the summer months we'll be profiling some of them. Robyn Clarke Bachelor of Music, Music Education Hometown - Joliet, IL Transfer from: Joliet...

World Music Showcase goes virtual

NIU School of Music graduate students in the Analytical Techniques in World Music course were set to present pieces as part of NIU's annual World Music Festival. But with all concerts postponed due stay at home restrictions caused by the coronavirus, their...

School of Music’s Mary Lynn Doherty wins Outstanding Mentor Award

Mary Lynn Doherty, associate professor of music and coordinator of music education in the NIU School of Music has been selected as an Outstanding Mentor by the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. The award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional...

Huskie Spotlight – Kelly Langenberg, School of Music

Kelly Langenberg Applied Artist in the School of Music What year did you start working at NIU? 2016. Where is your hometown? Where do you live now? I grew up in an idyllic rural community near New Philadelphia, Ohio. I currently live in Elgin. Where did you attend...

Huskie Spotlight – Jui-Ching Wang, School of Music

Jui-Ching Wang Associate Professor of World Music What year did you start working at NIU? I started working at NIU in 2004 when I was still an ABD (all but dissertation). Where is your hometown? Where do you live now? I grew up in a small town nearby Hsinchu City in...