NIU Today

Two Northern Illinois University music professors just received news that is music to their ears: They have been awarded prestigious grants to create distinctive new works for the small ensemble projects they lead. Greg Beyer and Geof Bradfield, both associate professors at NIU’s School of Music, have been awarded Chamber Music America grants: Beyer received...

Looking to become more independent in your research? Interested in conducting a service learning project? Want to get funding for a study abroad trip or travel to a conference? If you answered yes to any of the questions, then consider applying to either Undergraduate Special Opportunities in Artistry & Research (USOAR) or the Student Engagement...

Music education and percussion performance major Alexis Lamb will present “MeiaMeia,” an NIU Honors capstone recital, with Projecto Arcomusical at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 24. Friday’s performance takes place in the Recital Hall of the NIU Music Building, which is accessible to all. The music is a cycle of 12 berimbau chamber works, six composed...

The NIU School of Music is home to some of the most unique instruments from around the world, and Associate Professor Greg Beyer has taken it upon himself to bring prominence to one of those instruments through contemporary music. “What we’re doing with the berimbau is unique,” he said. “There are a few other berimbau ensembles—in Brazil...

The NIU Percussion Ensemble will perform an energetic program of both new and classic works for percussion, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, featuring several student chamber ensembles and guest artist Jeremy Muller. Known for showcasing compositions and musical genres from around the world, the NIU Percussion Ensemble will do just that with this program...

Gregory Beyer, associate professor and director of Percussion Studies at NIU, has been selected for a Fulbright award to teach in Brazil. Beginning in August, Beyer will spend four months at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte as a visiting scholar. He will offer a symposium on contemporary performance practice of the...

The NIU Percussion Ensemble will take the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall stage at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, performing a wide variety of exciting modern works for percussion. Under the direction of NIU School of Music professors Greg Beyer and Michael Mixtacki, the concert will feature Western percussion compositions influenced from musical traditions around the...

The fifth NIU New Music Festival offers something for everyone. This year features guest artist ensemble the nief-norf Project, founded by NIU alumni Andy Bliss (2004) and Kerry O’Brien (2006). They are joined by incredibly talented colleague ensemble members Erin Walker Bliss, percussion; Ashley Walters, cello; and Christopher Adler, piano and composition. Adler’s music will...

The NIU Percussion Ensemble will take the stage in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall at 8 p.m. Monday, April 28, to showcase the beauty and versatility of the keyboard percussion instrument family. The marimba, vibraphone and glockenspiel are central instruments in percussion solo and chamber repertoire. NIU Percussion Ensemble directors Gregory Beyer and Michael Mixtacki...

The Percussive Arts Society has honored its Illinois state affiliate with the 2013 outstanding chapter award. Greg Beyer, director of percussion studies in the NIU School of Music, is the current Illinois Percussive Arts Society president. As soon as Beyer began his role as president in 2010, he was eager to begin planning for overall...

Under the direction of professors Greg Beyer and Mike Mixtacki, the NIU Percussion Ensemble will perform its first of three concerts this year at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. The concert, which kicks off several days of events on campus surrounding the inauguration of NIU President Doug Baker, will...

There is something for everyone during this year’s NIU New Music Festival! Under the leadership of Artistic Director Gregory Beyer, and in collaboration with School of Music professors Geof Bradfield and Ryan Muncy, the festival will bring to campus two sets of guest artist ensembles and will offer three very different programs for audiences Tuesday,...