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Tag: steelpan
A distinctive part of the soundtrack for Star Wars: The Last Jedi was the steel drum on the music that played during the movie’s scenes on the planet of Canto Bight. That influence, it turns out, can be traced back directly to NIU’s Liam Teague, professor of Music and head of Steelpan Studies. Legendary composer John Williams,...
More than 30 years after he graduated with a Master of Performance degree from the NIU School of Music, Jim Roberts was back on campus for a visit, interacting with NIU students and faculty, and reflecting on how his time here guided his career. Roberts is an accomplished percussionist, producer, artist and educator who has...
Album cover of “Ten Summoner’s Tales”
Members of the NIU Percussion Ensemble will present a spectacular concert featuring the entire “Ten Summoner’s Tales” album by well-known singer and songwriter Sting. The performance at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, will combine modern percussion ensemble sounds with musical traditions from around the world to highlight Sting’s musical depth and artistry. Sure to prove...
Photo of a tambourine
Snare drums snap, bells ting-a-ling and flutes whistle like birds. But why does one instrument sound any different than another? And how do objects produce sound in the first place? NIU alum Andrew Morrison has spent his career using physics to study these questions. At the next STEM Café, he will present “Good Vibrations: The...
The NIU Steelband often conjures up fast-paced rhythmic songs that make the audience want to dance. “While what we do is extremely demanding and requires a great deal of discipline, dedication and practice, we also encourage an atmosphere of fun,” said Liam Teague, co-director of the ban with Cliff Alexis. “So it is quite common...
Liam Teague
Liam Teague, head of steelpan studies and an associate professor in the NIU School of Music, was named the 2014 Laureate in Arts and Letters by the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards For Excellence. Here is the speech Teague gave May 10 at the Trinidad & Tobago’s National Academy of the Performing Arts. It has...
Photo of a steelpan
The NIU Steelband, under the direction of Liam Teague and Cliff Alexis, will presents its spring 2014 concert at 3 p.m. Sunday April 13, in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall of the NIU Music Building. The event will commemorate the ensemble’s 40th year of existence and will be a celebration of the past, present and...
Liam Teague
Liam Teague, head of steelpan studies and an associate professor in the NIU School of Music, has been named the 2014 Laureate in Arts and Letters by the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards For Excellence. Launched in 2005 by the ANSA McAL Foundation, the awards are the English-speaking Caribbean’s leading recognition program in arts, sciences...
A young boy takes a piano lesson through the NIU Community School of the Arts.
Registration is open for the spring semester at the NIU Community School of the Arts, sponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The community school offers year-round programming, with 80 teachers and 400 students who come from 50 towns and cities for classes, lessons and ensembles. Programs for children and adults begin in...
Cliff Alexis
NIU’s Cliff Alexis, steel drum builder and tuner and co-director of the world-renowned NIU Steel Band, is among four prominent percussionists chosen for induction to the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. The induction of the quartet, all important figures who have shaped the percussion world through their innovations, performances and scholarly work, takes place...
CSA Steelband
The CSA Steelband will perform at 8 p.m. Monday, May 6, in the Recital Hall of the NIU Music Building. This free event is open to the public. The group will perform a variety of tunes that members have been rehearsing during the semester. Acclaimed musician and teacher Yuko Asada directs the ensemble. Pieces to be performed...
Photo of a steelpan
The NIU Steelband, under the direction of Liam Teague and Cliff Alexis, and the All University Steelband, conducted by graduate students Josanne Francis, Barry Mannette, Khion De Las and Khan Cordice, will present their spring 2013 concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7. The concert takes place inside the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall of the...
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