Terrence Niska has been a member of Five By Design since 1990. He joined the quintet after having completed his Masters Degree in Coaching and Accompanying from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. While attending Westminster, he had the opportunity to sing under Joseph Flummerfelt in the Symphonic Choir and as a member of the ensemble performed under the batons of Riccardo Muti, Hugh Wolff, Sir David Willcocks and Leonard Bernstein. He studied piano with Harold Zabrack as well as having lessons with Dalton Baldwin, renowned accompanist for such artists as Gerard Souzay and Elly Ameling.
Growing up in the small towns of Ashland and Washburn, WI, his love of music began at an early age. He was on the stage by the age of nine and was cast as Winthrop in the local High School production of Meredith Wilson’s "The Music Man" while in the eighth grade. His love of music grew stronger and after completing high school decided to become a teacher, due chiefly to the influences of his choir teacher, Chris Engfer, and piano teacher, Mary Buchanan. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a double major in voice and piano.
As a member of Five By Design, Terrence has discovered a passion for vocal arranging and is responsible for many of the groups vocals. In his unofficial capacity as chauffeur for the group he has logged over 300,000 miles driving around the U.S. and Canada. In his spare time he loves reading and listening to music.
birthday: July 3