Close Up with the Northern Illinois School of Musicniu.edu/music

Sense of Community and Stylistic Diversity: In his introductory letter to students on the home page of Northern Illinois School of Music, Director Andrew Glendening captures the spirit and mission of the multi-faceted educational experience and its many programs. He writes, “NIU is a vibrant music scene where you can expand your skills, explore your creativity and pursue your dreams in a supportive environment with unprecedented access to an outstanding faculty.”

One of those faculty members, Kerri-Ann Chandler, is a Trinidad and Tobago-born musician and instructor who came to NIU after eight years teaching at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. She says, “What makes our School of Music special is its unique sense of community and its stylistic diversity and array of world music courses and ensembles, which allow students to learn music from many countries and cultures and to learn the history and play ethnic instruments from around the world.” 

Programs and Ensembles: NIU School of Music undergrads can study performance, jazz studies, steelpan, music education and composition. Graduate students can earn a master’s degree in performance or pursue an individualized Master of Music degree in composition, recording arts, conducting, world music or other emphases.

NIU also offers many opportunities to perform and grow on stage with their award-winning instrumental and vocal ensembles, which include choirs, orchestra, opera, theater, wind ensembles, marching band, jazz ensembles, steel bands, new music ensemble, percussion ensemble, Javanese and Balinese gamelans, tabla, Chinese and Middle Eastern ensembles and various chamber music ensembles.

Recording Arts and Media Technologies: This area of study is designed for the modern engineer and musician, and combines audio video and computer technologies. Students will gain knowledge and experience in such disciplines as studio and location recording techniques, audio post-production for video, acoustics and studio design and webcasting, robotic camera operation using Internet2 technology, live sound and event logistics and lighting and rigging for the performing arts.

Elective courses include recording techniques, applied mixing, audio editing, air training for audio engineers and sound design. NIU recently became one of three Avid Learning Partners in the state of Illinois. Music Admissions Coordinator Austyn Menk says, “Students participating in the recording arts get to run live sound for our many ensembles, giving them highly valuable and applicable experience.”   

Flock Audio: As part of an ongoing effort to upgrade the school’s recording facilities to serve collaborations between audio engineering students and musical students, NIU has made the Flock Audio PATCH XT digitally controlled, all analog patchbay the centerpiece of its hybrid recording setup. Chandler says, “Compared to the outdated equipment installed previously, this makes signal flow in the studio more streamlined. Besides being visually appealing and fully customizable, it’s very compact, fitting on a tabletop—and because it’s digitally controlled, there are always opportunities for app updates.”

Contact NIU School of Music, 815-753-1551The post Close Up with the Northern Illinois School of Music first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

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Guitar Center to Celebrate 50 Years of Taylor GuitarsGuitar Center to host event celebrating 50 Years of Taylor Guitars at La Mesa, CA store on Saturday, June 1

“An Afternoon with Andy Powers” will include discussion, demos, and Q&A highlighting classics and recent product launches with Andy Powers, Taylor CEO, President, and Chief Guitar Designer, as well as a short acoustic set by singer-songwriter and musician Hailey Knox

WHO: Guitar Center is teaming with Taylor Guitars for an exclusive event at the La Mesa, CA Guitar Center location. The event will feature discussion with Andy Powers, Taylor CEO, President, and Chief Guitar Designer, and a performance by singer-songwriter and musician Hailey Knox.

WHAT: Taylor and Guitar Center are partnering for an exclusive event at the La Mesa Guitar Center location on Saturday, June 1, 2024, to celebrate 50 Years of Taylor Guitars, telling the story of this legendary guitar manufacturer via its new 50th Anniversary Collection. The event will include discussion, demos, and Q&A highlighting classics and recent product launches with Andy Powers, as well as a short acoustic set by Hailey Knox. Since joining Taylor in 2011, Andy Powers has been responsible for many of the company's designs, including its V-Class bracing architecture, the American Dream acoustic line, and body styles including the Grand Pacific, Grand Theater and more.

Space is limited; RSVP here.

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 2024, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. PDT

WHERE: Guitar Center La Mesa8825 Murray DriveLa Mesa, CA 91942-3327The post Guitar Center to Celebrate 50 Years of Taylor Guitars first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

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Luke Hemmings: Rockin’ at the RivieraLuke Hemmings: Rockin’ at the Riviera

By Lila Fierek

Luke Hemmings’ aura shone brightly during his first solo concert in Chicago, and it wasn’t due to his signature sparkly blue eyeshadow. The 2500-capacity venue – The famed Riviera –  teemed with enthusiastic showgoers. Hemmings, lead singer of 5 Seconds of Summer, opened the North American leg of his tour, “Nostalgia For a Time That Never Existed,” at the Riviera Theatre on Tuesday, May 21.  

Fans were eager to see the six-foot blonde after waiting several hours in 86-degree heat. The audience was attired largely in blue in homage to “Baby Blue,” from Hemmings’ debut When Facing The Things We Turn Away From. 

It was many fans’ first time seeing the Australian singer solo. While some questioned his ability to perform without the support of his three bandmates, the Sydney-native’s personality carried the day, silencing concerns. He brought a sarcasticyet powerful vigor to stage that could make any venue feel special. 

The Aussie artist launched the show shortly after 8:30 with “A Beautiful Dream.” As spotlights illuminated the crowd with rays of angelic white light, some whispered that the beginning of the concert must be what heaven feels like. The energy heightened as strips of confetti fluttered from the ceiling during his second song “Motion.” 

Hemmings, who is known for his slow, heavy ballads, joked that fans came to the concert for a good cry. His voice was rawer and more emotional live than on his records. The lights morphed to a dark blue during the slower segment of the show. Fans were disappointed tolearn that “Slip Away” had been omitted from the setlist. 

The tempo escalated when the singer urged the audience to dance for his cover of The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love.” He then surrendered to the song as he explored the stage while strumming his guitar.  

Hemmings noted that the next offering on the setlist  – “Garden Life” from his EP Boy – is his favorite song that he’s ever written. The tune is widely believed to be about his wife and fellow singer Sierra Deaton.

The energy spiked for the final three songs of the night. Fans displayed blue paper hearts illuminated by their smartphone flashlights during “Shakes.” Amidst “I’m Still Your Boy,” they held aloft posters that read, “You are Chicago’s boy.” Before he launched into the song, Hemmings spoke of his love for Chicago. The Windy City was referenced in the lyric, “You still ain’t Chicago, the things that I miss.” It deepened the song’s magic and the musician grinned as fans chanted the lyrics back to him. 

Contrary to the title, the vocalist closed the show with “Starting Line.” He capped it by opening his jacket to reveal a gray Illinois T-shirt, which prompted the crowd to erupt into woofs and hollers.

The North American leg of Hemmings’ tour continues through early June, after which the Aussie returns home for four last shows. His final US date will be at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium on June 6, the second of his two-night stand.

Setlist:

A Beautiful Dream

Motion

Close My Eyes

Saigon

Comedown

Diamonds

Place in Me

Benny

Mum

Bloodline

Promises

Baby Blue

Friday I’m In Love (Cover)

Garden Life

Shakes

I’m Still Your Boy

Starting Line 

Tour Dates:

May 27 - Washington D.C. - 9:30 Club

May 28 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Paramount

May 30 - Ontario, Canada - History

May 31 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre

June 4 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater

June 5 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium

June 6 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium

June 12 - Melbourne, Australia - Palais

June 13 - Newton, Australia - Enmore Theatre

June 14 - Sydney, Australia - Enmore Theatre

June 16 - Brisbane, Australia - The Tivoli
The post Luke Hemmings: Rockin’ at the Riviera first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

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