Niko Delaveris

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Major: Jazz Studies
Class of 2008

The important stuff…

The things I love most in life are my family, cooking, hanging with my friends and embracing the life of a young jazz musician. I play the double bass in Michigan State’s Jazz Band II and Octet II.

Responsibility is the name of the game…

I love the idea of being responsible for everything that happens to me. It sounds funny I know, but all my life I've been able to blame things away on other people. Now in college, if I make a mistake, miss an exam or sleep through a class, I’ve got no one to blame but myself. I guess you could say it's the independence that I appreciate most as a college student.

Making my space mine…

On move in day of my freshman year my mom took one look at my room and said, “Ugh, look at this room ― it's so bland.” My response…I said to her, “Ma, you're lookin' at it all wrong. Where you see white walls and a 9’ by 12’ living space, I see the loft that's gonna go right here. I see my Greek flag hung proudly on the wall accompanied by pictures of the family and maybe a John Coltrane poster here and one of Thelonius Monk over there. Ma, this is my home for the next semester and I’m going to make it mine.” And I did.

Playing my jazz…

I’m a jazz musician, a jazz studies major and my instrument is the double bass. It’s my passion. After I graduate, it's off to New York. That'll be the true test of my Michigan State education. I’ve been lucky to be able to study with Professor Rodney Whitaker ― the best in the business. Professor Whitaker has taught me things that go beyond technique and the styling of music. He's taught me that jazz music requires a level of humanity and humility. It's about spreading a message of romance, joy, sorrow and intellect through music.

My Greek community away from home…

Growing up in a Greek household, my culture’s language, food and religion are a big part of who I am today. Since arriving at MSU I’ve become a member of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship here on campus. I became friends with a bunch of great kids as a result. We all share the same faith, culture and tradition, so these elements act as a sort of glue that just binds all of us together. I’m lucky to have them as my on-campus family.

Here I am with my family back in Ohio. I miss them, but I’m also glad to be getting a real college experience away from home.

Jazz Band II concert last fall ― I’m the one playing the double bass.

Me ― all dressed up.