Wesley Ellis is a senior at North Central majoring in jazz studies. Wesley, Wes for short, has performed in many events throughout the past four years as a North Central Cardinal. This includes concert choir, chamber singers, the vocal jazz ensemble and jazz band. Ellis isn’t just a jazz musician, but he is also the vice president of an on-campus organization named “Cardinals in Action.”
Kissel Salmeron: What are recent projects you are now working on?
Wes Ellis: Currently, I am working on my senior capstone project for the jazz program. I have put together a band of jazz instrumentalists and selected a handful of jazz standards to perform in my own jazz project. I am really excited for all of my family and friends to see how much I have grown as a musician throughout the past four years. My project is on May 13 at 2 p.m. and is open to the public for free.
KS: What are your plans after you graduate from North Central? Are you nervous to graduate?
WE: While I currently do not have a job solidified, I plan to stay in the Naperville area and pursue a career here. I am really interested in working in the not-for-profit realm or pursuing work in marketing. I have also developed a passion for photography and would love to do some freelance work in that field. I still plan to play music and perform every now and then; I’ve just decided that I don’t want to make it my livelihood. I am a bit nervous about my future, but I am enthusiastic and ready to graduate.
KS: What type of advice would you give to incoming Cardinals?
WE: I would highly recommend for students to enroll as undeclared in their major. There is no shame in doing so, and it will allow for them to pursue their Gen-Eds while also gaining a better understanding of their interests. People who come to school as undeclared should be proud of their decision to do so. It ensures that they will have the ability to look at all their options to commit to a major.
