Katelyn Ackland

Katelyn Ackland is a music education and clarinet performance double major from Rochelle, IL

Hometown: Rochelle, IL

High School: I was homeschooled.

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2026

Transfer from: Kishwaukee College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I love the location and the music community at NIU.

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the Wilbur A. and Dorothy S. Smith Clarinet Scholarship, Delta Kappa Gamma Women’s Teacher Scholarship, Huskie Marching Band Scholarship, Maude Nicholson Music Scholarship, Ruth Ashelford Pollock NIU Athletics Bands Endowed Scholarship and the Schoon Educational Scholarship. The scholarships at NIU are amazing and have helped me succeed from a financial and educational standpoint.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up, I knew I wanted to beautify the world. I wanted to help people and have a positive impact. I have always aspired to be a great clarinet player and musician, but I never imagined my dream would come true. Originally I went into the health sciences and worked for a few years in the dental field but ultimately education/performance was the path that was planted in my heart and life. To connect with students and help them grow is the most rewarding profession.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in music education and clarinet performance and feel so blessed and fortunate. This course of study came to my attention when I realized it is what brings me the most joy. Out of all my class subjects, music and art were always my favorite. As I was homeschooled, I chose to spend as much time as possible in the afternoons and evenings practicing the clarinet and improving as much as I could myself.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
NIU has become a place that feels like home. The community at NIU is very friendly and encouraging, and it surprised me how welcoming and genuine my teachers are.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I was a part of Wind Symphony at NIU, which allowed me to meet new people and make new friends. During clarinet sectionals, I got to learn so much about each individual player. The Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic, Huskie Marching Band and other ensemble settings allowed me the opportunity to meet many people. I also enjoyed the composition club and sight-reading club.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am blessed to teach music lessons through the Community School of the Arts at NIU. This has given me the opportunity to be involved in the community and grow in my field. I also had a great time student-working with the Adventure Center at NIU during the summers. It allowed me to be a yoga instructor for students on paddle boards, a kayaking supervisor, bouldering and crate-climbing adventurer, camp-fire provider, biking facilitator and team-builder. My leadership roles grew my ability to teach and have fun in the process.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The staff at the Rec Center have been very friendly and encouraged me to maintain my health goals of improving my clarinet playing and teaching energy. This has helped me stay focused and succeed in my efforts to continue teaching and playing clarinet for a long time.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I have so many favorite professors at NIU that it is hard to pick one! Generally, I love all of my music education instructors. My clarinet professors at NIU have been the most impactful on my clarinet performance goals. Dr. Barrett, Frank Delo and Dr. Good have all instructed my clarinet lessons and made a huge impact on how I will teach and play in the future. I love how they inspire me while pushing me to always be better and work toward a higher level of skill. My clarinet instructors have shown me that my dreams are actually achievable.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending classes regularly gives me a sense of focus and community. It inspires me to constantly improve my abilities and performance.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love the Music Building, of course, with the concert hall and recital hall that have beautiful acoustics. Outside of the Music Building, I also really love the lagoon and all the nature on campus. I have been able to make friends with squirrels, deer, goslings, badgers, frogs, raccoons, blue herons, butterflies and several other creatures there.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Make sure to meet with the professors you will be studying with and ensure that the commute to your classes is reasonable.

Why is a college education important to you?
My journey in attending college has been the most significant event in shaping my identity and forming a voice of my own. I have also been able to celebrate strengths and find tools to help me improve my weaknesses. College introduced me to new ways to interact with the world.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Having a consistent schedule has helped me balance responsibilities. Living at home with my family during college has helped me stay connected with them. I spend most of my time during the day with school and working, then make sure to put aside time to connect with loved ones in the evening.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Usually, I will see event information in my student email account.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to run. When it is nice outside, I love to run to Hopkins Park from school and back. It is both relaxing and energizing! I also enjoy yoga and meditation.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I teach private lessons to clarinet, piano, voice and violin students. I also play piano at local churches and any events that may need music. I love to paint, run, practice yoga and practice any instrument I can get my hands on.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
My NIU Huskie story is so special. The most special part of the story comes from the people I have gotten to connect with and learn from. I am so thankful for the connections NIU has provided me with and the tools to take a dream and make it happen. Music education/performance leaves me with the promise of never-ending opportunities to meet new people and make meaningful connections. Having the desire to better oneself to serve others is a very worthwhile investment of time, as it makes the most of every moment for the inspiration of the future.