Michael Vaschur

Director of Huskie Pep Band

Michael Vaschur is excited to make his return to NIU to lead the Huskie Pep Band. Mike is a sixth-year music educator who has taught instrumental ensembles from 5th grade to high school in both rural and suburban settings, leading performances at high-visibility venues such as the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, Disney World and Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, among others.

An alumnus of Northern Illinois University, he earned bachelor's degrees in both music education and tuba performance in 2019, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and he actively participated in both the Huskie Marching Band and Huskie Pep Band in his time at NIU. Beyond his responsibilities as a band director, Mr. Vaschur maintains an active playing schedule, having performed on tuba with the Wheaton Municipal Band, The Band of the Midwest at the Midwest Clinic, Genuine Brass Quintet and the nationally-ranked Chicago Brass Band.

Additionally, as a first-generation Ukrainian immigrant, he has arranged music and performed on electric bass with his Ukrainian folk band, Клопіт (Klo-peet), in diaspora communities across America for over 16 years. Mr. Vaschur's unique teaching and playing experiences will bring a lot of fun and energy to Huskie Pep Band.