Kaelyn Witt

Kaelyn Witt is a music education and flute performance double major from Joliet, IL

Hometown: Joliet, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2027

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Growing up I always wanted to be an artist. I loved creating and painting and expressing myself artistically. I ended up not pursuing art, but music. I love being able to express myself musically. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am currently double majoring in music education and flute performance. I love music; playing the flute relieves so much of my stress, and I love discovering new styles of music. Being a music major allows me to play various genres of music and even do world premieres of some pieces in the Wind Ensemble. 

What is your favorite thing about studying and/or playing music at NIU?
My favorite thing about studying music at NIU is the feeling that I am actually learning and becoming proficient at not only performing music, but also understanding the theory behind it. Every day I learn something new. 

How have you connected with other students at NIU?
I’ve connected with other students at NIU primarily through ensembles and especially in the Huskie Marching Band. I meet so many people and have made so many friends. 

Are you involved in any student organizations or extra-curricular activities?
I recently became a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi. This organization has helped me connect with so many students and allows me to serve the bands that I’m so proud to be a part of. This organization gives me brotherhood and community and motivates me to strive for the highest in all my endeavors as a student at NIU. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why?
My favorite professor is definitely Scott Metlicka. He is my flute professor, and he is amazing. He’s helped me accomplish so much as a musician and especially helped me to take steps to overcome my performance anxiety. I would not be the musician I am today without his encouragement and guidance. 

Why did you choose NIU to study music?
I chose NIU to study music because I felt at home. All of the faculty are so kind and inviting, and I immediately felt like I belonged when I visited as a prospective student. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community?
My favorite spot on campus is the lagoon behind the music building. It’s beautiful scenery and a great spot to go on walks with friends. 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
I would highly recommend going on physical visits to the colleges you are interested in, meeting with the faculty who work in your desired field and connecting with current students. Go where you feel at home. When you’re visiting the right school, you’ll know. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Something I do to relax is listening to music while hanging out with friends and going on walks. Very frequently after classes my friends and I will recharge by just hanging out and venting about our day while listening to music. And if we’re feeling adventurous, we will go on a walk to some nearby restaurants and grab food. 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
Something I’ve had to learn to do differently is how I schedule my days. I’ve learned to keep a calendar of all my important due dates and performances so that I always feel like I’m on top of things.