NIU Today

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...

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...

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, 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...

The earthquake in Haiti was one of the top five deadliest disasters in contemporary history, claiming more than 315,000 lives. The disaster was also one of the most widely covered events in modern history; international media attention helped raise $5.6 billion in funds in the two years following the earthquake. What happened? Where did the...

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...

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...

Liam Teague, NIU’s “Paganini of the Steelpan,” was named today as a winner of a silver Hummingbird Medal from his native Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. An associate professor of steelpan in the School of Music and co-director of the NIU Steelband, Teague is in good company as his homeland confers its highest accolades on...

The Honorable Lincoln Douglas, who holds a doctorate in adult education from the NIU College of Education, is now the minister of Arts and Multiculturalism in Trinidad and Tobago. Douglas, most recently the minister of state in the Ministry of the People and Social Development, is among several new cabinet appointments Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar...

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has nominated “Hammer on Steel,” a two-program documentary created by The University of Akron, for eight Emmy awards for the 2011 broadcast year. NIU’s Cliff Alexis, steel drum builder and tuner and co-director of the world-renowned NIU Steel Band, was nominated for Emmy Awards in two...

The NIU Steel Band, under the direction of Liam Teague and Cliff Alexis, will present its spring 2012 concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall of the Music Building. Promising an eclectic blend of music from across the globe, the concert will be streamed live. Joining NIU’s musicians are...

His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan, ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, will attend this weekend’s concert of the NIU Steel Band. Parsan, who is a veterinarian, contacted countryman Liam Teague a few months ago to learn more about the NIU School of Music and its international reputation for pushing...