Lilliana Benitez, a music education major with an instrumental emphasis in euphonium from McHenry, Illinois is the...
Music Archives
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...
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...
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...