Teddy Malamis

Teddy Malamis is a music major with emphasis in music education and classical saxophone from Naperville, IL

Hometown: Naperville, IL

High School: Metea Valley High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2026

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I am very lucky to be getting funding from a merit scholarship and a Huskie Marching Band Scholarship, as well as other sources. The financial support has allowed me to focus on my studies and stay a full-time student. This year I am working two jobs to help pay for rent and groceries, but I wouldn't be here without my scholarships.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Since seventh grade, I have known that I wanted to pursue a career in music education and started to learn conducting right away. Being here at NIU, I have conducted many ensembles and continue to practice my skills as a conductor and music educator.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is music with an emphasis in music education and classical saxophone. I have loved music since a young age and was truly changed for the better by my music educators in elementary, middle and high school. I wish to have the same effect on my students one day.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I interned at Smith Walbridge Clinics going into my freshman year of high school.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
I helped run aspects of the camp from behind the scenes until I was asked to work on instructional staff, where I teach drum majors from across the country leaderships skills, conducting, marching fundamentals and mace showmanship.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Being so close to classes! I currently live across from the Holmes Student Center, and I love being so close to student life.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
When I need to study, I often meet friends in the student center, where we can find a whiteboard and get coffee while we study. However, the place I met the most people was the Rec Center.

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 heavily involved with the Huskie Marching Band, where I serve as one of the drum majors. Although it has "drum" in the name, my job has nothing to do with playing the drums. Instead, it focuses on keeping the band and the drums together and in tempo when we are spread across the field. I conduct the pregame and halftime shows, as well as in the stands. My experience on a gameday is super unique! I am very lucky.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The music education faculty are the best people I have met on campus. They are supportive, positive and always around to help when I need it. They often push great opportunities our way and try to find new ways for us to succeed all the time. I cannot thank them enough!

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Eric Johnson is a model of character, expertise and musical leadership. His conducting class is driven by genuine passion and deep knowledge. He created a learning environment where I felt supported yet challenged, giving me the space to grow through careful and precise apprenticeship. The class was demanding and required significant preparation, but every assignment had a clear purpose and directly contributed to my development as a conductor. While some classes rely on busywork or uninspired lectures, his was filled with meaningful learning and “lightbulb” moments. His wisdom is something every future music educator and conductor should experience.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class allows me opportunities to get back on track. Asking questions and getting reminders were crucial to staying on top of my busy schedule.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the East Lagoon. I often go on walks around the lagoon to decompress and clear my mind. My schedule has little gaps that are often too short to go home, but luckily the lagoon is very close to the music building. I visited the lagoon a lot when I needed to listen to music critically or analyze a piece of music. I also have had multiple picnics there with my girlfriend. It is a beautiful space.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Go and meet the people you are going to be working with. Schedule college visits and meet as many people as you can. Luckily, the music education faculty I work with all the time are amazing. But I hadn’t met them when I applied. Also, talk to current students if you can. Their insight may clear up what is truly important about college life.

Why is a college education important to you?
College has allowed me the space to grow my knowledge as an educator, a musician and a person. It has brought personalized experiences that have made me the man I am today. Specifically, the music education students at NIU get to do clinicals as early as their sophomore year. Those clinical experiences have elevated my knowledge of the field I am entering next year.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
The biggest thing that helped me was my planner. You need to have a planner and plan out every day. You don't need to write down everything you do, but for my busiest days, I write down what I need to do down to the minute. Also, If you only have one class one day, what would it look like if you stayed on a 9-to-5 schedule? How much homework would you get done if you worked until 5? And then you would have the evening to yourself and your friends! Schedule work for specific classes at specific times during the day.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
There are many posters around campus, but if there is anything I ever want or need, I talk to my professors, and they point me in the right direction.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Relaxing is rare in my schedule, but when I get the chance to play video games with my friends, I take it.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at Menards in Sycamore and also in the large ensemble office here at NIU. Those jobs take up some of my free time, but if I have extra time to do something I want, I will try to just make some music of my own with my friends. We don't care to record anything or write anything down; we just improvise and make up a jam we enjoy!