School of Music, Theatre
and Dance
Varner Hall, Room 207
371 Varner Drive
Rochester,
MI
48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Fax: (248) 370-2041
smtd@oakland.edu
Community Engagement
The Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance is committed to enhancing the lives of our neighbors through music lessons and classes (OU Community Music), interactive workshops (Voice Teaching Lab, Percussion Day and more), youth ensembles (Honor Band, Orchestra and more), traveling theatre productions (James and the Giant Peach) and meaningful community partnerships (OU/Pontiac Initiative.)
These outstanding arts performance workshops combine an open and collaborative atmosphere with rigorous standards and excellent teaching.
OU works to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about our initiatives at the Youth Protection website.
For workshops with a fee, refunds will be given up to two weeks prior to the event start date. Cancellations within two weeks of the event start date will not be refunded.
For more information, please contact smtdadmissions@oakland.edu.
Oakland University Piano Day Competition, sponsored by Evola Music
Virtual
Registration and upload deadline: March 1, 2021
Winners announcement, masterclass and concert: Piano Day - March 21, 2021
Registration Fee: $35
Register at OU Piano Competition
- Competition Age Groups:
- Division I: Ages 10 and under: up to 10 minutes
- Division II: Ages 11-14: up to 12 minutes
- Division III: Ages 15-18: up to 15 minutes
- Prizes:
- Total Cash Prizes totaling $1,500
- Virtual Winners Concert
- Masterclass with OU Faculty
Competition Rules:
Virtual Format.
Each performance must include two contrasting works from different eras of classical repertoire (baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary) performed from memory. It is permissible for performances to go over the time limit. However, judges will not take more than the allotted time for each division to review. Each video must be continuous and unedited. Performers can choose to record both works at once or separately. Please label each video with the performer's name and the title of the piece(s). Upload to YouTube and select "Unlisted" for the videos so only those with the link can access it. Once completed, provide links on competition registration form.
Details regarding the Piano Day on March 21 to be emailed once registration closes.
For questions, please email Tian Tian at ttian@oakland.edu.
A feast of percussion from around the world, featuring workshops, group performances, and individual lessons with Sean Dobbins, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Sam Jeyasingham, Dan Maslanka, and Mark Stone.
Check back in 2020! Questions? Email stone@oakland.edu.
Collegiate Voice Audition Workshop or What Makes a Great Video Audition? Hint: It's Not Your Gear
January 16, 2021 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST (virtual)
This workshop is open to all high school voice students who are preparing audition videos for college.
Join Dr. Alta Boover and Oakland University voice students for an informative workshop on how to best present yourself for your college audition videos. The event will be followed by a Q&A session. This workshop is free to participate, however you must register for the event.
8 p.m. "Bon Appetit" One Woman Operatic Scene and Talk back
All those who attend the workshop are invited to be our special guests on that same evening - Saturday, January 16, 2021 - for a virtual performance of *Bon Appetit*, a one-woman operatic scene by Lee Hoiby based on Episode #228 of Julia Child's PBS television show "The French Chef". Join Dr. Alta Boover as Julia Child as she instructs Alta Boover herself on how to bake "Le Gateau en Chocolate L'Emminence Brûne." Stay for a Zoom talk-back after the 15 minute show and bake along with her with the recipe from Julia's first cookbook, which will be shared.
When: Saturday, February 6, 2021, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Who: Singers of all levels and experience AND Music Educators
Where: Online via Zoom
Featuring: Eric Whitacre and Stacey Gibbs
Additional Events to Include:
- Yoga for Singers with Jaclyn Normandie Johnson
- Virtual Master Class: Working Together While Apart with Dr. Alta Boover and Professor John-Paul White
- Voice Building for Young Men with Dr. Drake Dantzler
- Investigating OU with OU Faculty
The educator track qualifies for SCECH's. Pay for Inspire the Choir - SCECH.
Completely Virtual and Free
Register for Inspire the Choir.
Schedule:
9 - 9:55 a.m. The Importance of the Spiritual Today with Stacey Gibbs
10 - 10:55 a.m. Yoga for Singers with Jaclyn Normandie Johnson
11 - 11:55 a.m. Virtual Masterclass: Working Together While Apart with Dr. Alta Boover and Professor John-Paul White
-OR-
11 - 11:55 a.m. Voice Building for Young Men with Dr. Drake Dantzler
12 - 1 p.m. Lunch Break - informal Q&A with OU Students
1 - 2:30 p.m. Tell Me Something Good: Q&A and Talkback with Eric Whitacre about Virtual Choir and a Lifelong Passion for Music
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Investigating OU student meet and greet with the OU vocal/choral faculty
-OR-
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Investigating OU Graduate degree Q&A for music educators, with the OU music education faculty
Announcing the OU Virtual Clarinet Solo and Ensemble Workshop with Dr. George Stoffan.
January 17, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
High School Clarinetists and any mixed instrument ensembles are invited to perform pieces in preparation for Solo and Ensemble, or any other audition or performance. Oakland University Clarinet Professor Dr. George Stoffan will present the workshop. Benefit from playing for the group and one-on-one tips from Dr. Stoffan.
The clinic will be held via Zoom.
Completely Virtual and free.
Register for the Virtual Clarinet Solo & Ensemble Workshop.
OU's Piano Area is honored to introduce the First Annual Piano Pedagogy Workshop
Sponsored by the Judd Family Endowed Fund
January 29 and 30, 2021
We welcome internationally renowned artists, including Helen Marlais, Logan Skelton and Robert Satterlee to present a series of lectures, masterclasses and concerts.
Teachers and pre-college students are invited to attend.
The clinic will be held via Zoom.
Completely virtual and FREE.
Register for the OU Piano Pedagogy Workshop here.
Schedule of Events:
January 29, 2021 Day 1 Presenter: Logan Skelton
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Logan Skelton Presentation
1 - 3:00 p.m.: Logan Skelton Masterclass
7:30 p.m.: Guest Concert
January 30, 2021 Day 2 Presenter: Helen Marlais
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Helen Marlais Masterclass with local pre-college students
1 - 3 p.m.: Helen Marlais Masterclass with OU students
7:30 p.m.: Solo Recital Presented by Robert Satterlee
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
5:30 to 7 p.m. EDT
Free Admission.
Featuring a performance by OU's jazz faculty and a webinar with guest artist, Regina Carter.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 998 6060 2465
Passcode: OUJAZZ2021
All high school jazz students and teachers are welcome. For more information, email smtdadmissions@oakland.edu.
Assembly Quartet Saxophone Workshop at Oakland University
The summer 2020 camp has been cancelled. We'll see you in 2021!
Faculty Artists:
Dr. Jeffrey Heisler, Oakland University
Dr. Ian Jeffress, Western Carolina University
Dr. Matthew Younglove, Tennessee Tech University
Dr. Adam Estes, University of Mississippi
Open to all saxophonists age 12 - college undergraduates. This thrilling week of saxophone includes performance in solo, chamber, and ensembles music settings, private lessons, study of jazz style, improvisation, contemporary techniques, and classes in improving musicianship.
Questions: contact Dr. Heisler at jaheisle@oakland.edu
Cost:
Oakland University is committed to working with its neighbors, to determine potential areas of meaningful partnership that will benefit both the community and Oakland’s students. The School of Music, Theatre and Dance is holding several events at Pontiac venues throughout the season, including the Pontiac Creative Arts Center and Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts. For more information about the OU/Pontiac Initiative, visit oakland.edu/community/pontiac-initiative.
The OU Department of Theatre’s season comes to a close with an annual children’s play or musical. Stay tuned for more information regarding summer 2021. Learn how to bring this exciting production to your school by emailing oaklandtour@gmail.com.
Dance for Parkinson's Disease participants will be empowered to explore movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating and creative. This class is an aesthetic experience that uses the elements of narrative, imagery, and community to develop artistry and grace while addressing such PD specific concerns as balance, flexibility, coordination, isolation and depression. The classes engage participants' minds and bodies, and create an enjoyable, social environment that emphasizes dancing rather than therapy. Active demonstration by professional dancers inspires participants to recapture grace, while guided improvisation fosters creativity, and experimentation with movement.
For more information about these classes, which are for those living with PD and their caregiver/spouses, please contact DPD Director Ali Woerner at takerootdance@gmail.com.
https://www.takerootdance.com/danceforpd
Synergy on Stage is a dynamic local company that provides American Sign Language interpreters for theatrical productions. The OU Department of Theatre has had a 20+ year collaboration with these interpreters and the Deaf theatre-going community. The actors are fully integrated into the performances, providing the Deaf community with accessible performances of plays and musicals. Select theatre performances, which are notated on our event calendar, are shadow-signed each season.
High school students and rising college freshmen, if you would like to observe and/or participate, please sign up here.
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. (except where noted)
July 15: CLARINET with Prof. George Stoffan, Focus: Wednesday Warmups
July 22: VOICE with Prof. Alta Boover Dantzler, Focus: Practice Safe Singing
July 29: CLARINET with Prof. George Stoffan, Focus: Wednesday Warmups and More
August 5: VOICE with Prof. Alta Boover Dantzler, Focus: Practice Safe Singing Continued
THURSDAY, August 13 at 11 a.m., THEATRE with Prof. Josh Young and guest Lea Salonga, Tony Winner
August 19: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY with Prof. Terry Herald, Focus: Sound and Video Editing using Audacity - free shareware app.
August 26: TRUMPET and BRASS with Prof. Jennifer Oliverio, Focus: Improving Lyricism in Brass Playing Through Fundamentals
Summer Virtual Jazz Intensive
with Regina Carter, Sean Dobbins and Nancy Stagnitta
July 20 - 24
10 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. daily
The OU Summer Virtual Jazz Intensive will focus on themed topics (ensembles) such as history of women in jazz, bridging classical to jazz, jazz as language etc. The format will feature four 50-minute sessions each day that will include a listening section, virtual ensemble rehearsals and a daily improvisation workshop.
The OU Virtual Jazz Intensive is made possible by generous support from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
OU Summer Theatre Workshops...Online!
July 13 - 17
Registration is closed. Thank you to all that registered!
- View full workshop descriptions and daily schedules.
July 6-17
Ages 10-15 (intermediate) and 16-25 (advanced)
Contact Eisenhower Dance Detroit for more information: http://eisenhowerdance.org/newdancefest .
NewDANCEfest is a multidimensional festival, which brings artists at various levels of the profession together. Opportunities are provided for Established Choreographers, Emerging Choreographers and Dancers to create and study in a rich, rewarding and artistic environment. Choreographers are given time and space to create new works, and Dancers are given professional training and the experience of mentoring with some of the best professionals in the dance world. NewDANCEfest will provide daily technique classes in a variety of styles, choreography seminars, discussion forums, critique sessions, mentorship opportunities, informal showings and performances. The festival will be located in the beautiful city of Rochester, Michigan with classes for the Intermediate/Advanced Division (ages 10-15) held on the campus of Oakland University. Classes for the Advanced/Professional Division (ages 16 and up) will be held at The School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit located at 103 South Street. Housing for all participants is available on the Campus of Oakland University for an additional cost.
Summer Virtual Masterclass Series 2020
Announcing the Oakland University Summer Virtual Masterclass Series: Learn from OU music faculty members George Stoffan, clarinet; Alta Boover Dantzler, voice; Jennifer Oliverio, trumpet and brass; Terry Herald, music technology; and theatre faculty Josh Young with guest artist, Tony winner Lea Salonga.
High school students and rising college freshmen, if you would like to observe and/or participate, please sign up here. https://forms.gle/
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. (except where noted)
July 15: CLARINET with Prof. George Stoffan, Focus: Wednesday Warmups
July 22: VOICE with Prof. Alta Boover Dantzler, Focus: Practice Safe Singing
July 29: CLARINET with Prof. George Stoffan, Focus: Wednesday Warmups and More
August 5: VOICE with Prof. Alta Boover Dantzler, Focus: Practice Safe Singing- Continued
THURSDAY, August 13 at 11 a.m., THEATRE with Prof. Josh Young and guest Lea Salonga, Tony Winner
August 19: MUSIC TECHNOLOGY with Prof. Terry Herald, Focus: Sound and Video Editing using Audacity - free shareware app.
August 26: TRUMPET and BRASS with Prof. Jennifer Oliverio, Focus: Improving Lyricism in Brass Playing Through Fundamentals