One of the unique features of the NIU School of Music is an active program in world music. In addition to academic courses in world music survey, ethnomusicology, and regional studies, there are many ensembles that are not found in most colleges.
Students learn to perform regularly on authentic musical instruments such as the Steel Band (see Percussion Studies page for details), Gamelan (see below), North Indian Tabla, Chinese instruments, etc. The percussion area offers on a rotating basis West African Drumming, East African Xylophone, Central American marimba, Brazilian Drumming, Afro-Cuban percussion, etc. Other ensembles offered on demand are Thai Ensemble, Southeast Asian Tribal music, etc.
Click here to view the NIU World Music instrument collection
Gamelan is a percussion-dominated ensemble from Indonesia. It is the most popular Asian ensemble in the world, having 120 sets in the United States. The NIU School of Music teaches the Central Javanese and Balinese gamelans and gives regular concerts and demonstrations. Many composers, including students and faculty at NIU, also write new compositions for the gamelan.
The NIU Klezmer Band, "The Klezmer Hit Parade," was formed in 2002. This ensemble performs klezmer music (Eastern European Jewish folk music) and offshoots thereof, including polkas, waltzes, and even a little swing. Emphasis is on cultural performance practice, so the band not only plays, but sings and dances as well. The class is open to anyone with prior playing experience on any instrument.