Workshops and Honor Ensembles
The OU School of Music, Theatre and Dance offers multiple workshops and honor ensemble opportunities for K-12 students and community members throughout the year. Our workshops are taught by OU's renowned faculty, and by highly regarded guest performers and teachers. These outstanding arts performance workshops combine an open and collaborative atmosphere with rigorous standards and excellent teaching.
Many of our workshops are free. For workshops with a fee, the amount charged is always carefully considered so as to be as inexpensive as possible for attendees, while still covering some of the cost of running the event.
Youth Protection: OU works to ensure safe conduct and supportive interaction between youth and program leaders. Learn more about our initiatives at the Youth Protection website.
Refunds: 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.
Exceptions: Honor Band and Honor Orchestra will issue refunds no later than one week before the first rehearsal.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
OU Woodwind Day
Sunday, Oct. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Varner Recital Hall | 371 Varner Drive in Rochester
Kickstart the Day with a Faculty Recital:
Our distinguished Oakland University woodwind faculty will open the day with a recital that promises to inspire and set the tone for an exciting day of music-making.
Meet Our Esteemed Faculty and Staff:
• Brandon LePage, flute
• Jeffrey Zook, flute (DSO Affiliate)
• Timothy Michling, oboe
• Ralph Skiano, clarinet (DSO Affiliate)
• Erin Dowler, clarinet
• Cornelia Sommer, bassoon (DSO Affiliate)
• Stacey Jamison, bassoon
• Jeffrey Heisler, saxophone
• Alex Sellers, saxophone
• Gregory Cunningham, conductor
• Pamela Klena, conductor
These accomplished, world-class musicians bring a wealth of experience and expertise, making this event an exceptional opportunity for learning and growth.
Interactive Masterclasses:
Following the recital, students will break into instrument-specific sessions with our expert faculty. These sessions will focus on fundamentals, all-state repertoire and other essential techniques to help you advance your playing.
Engaging Presentation:
Enjoy a special 30-minute presentation by one of our faculty members, offering insights and tips that every woodwind player can benefit from.
Massive Woodwind Ensemble Reading Session:
In the afternoon, join forces with other woodwind players for a thrilling large ensemble reading session, conducted by Dr. Gregory Cunningham, Director of Bands, and Dr. Pamela Klena, Assistant Director of Bands. This is your chance to experience the power and excitement of playing in a large woodwind ensemble!
Vendor Exhibits:
We are excited to welcome representatives from Meridian Winds and Flute World. They will be on-site with a variety of merchandise, music, accessories and instruments for testing. They’ll also offer small repairs, so be sure to bring your instrument!
Registration:
The cost for this incredible day of music is just $25, which includes lunch for all registrants. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, play and connect with fellow woodwind enthusiasts. You can register quickly using this form. We look forward to seeing you there.
Presenting the
OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
2024 HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BAND
NOMINATIONS DUE OCTOBER 3
WHEN
November 8-9, 2024
WHERE
Varner Hall at Oakland University
371 Varner Drive in Rochester, MI
WITH CLINICIANS
Andrew David Perkins, composer/educator/conductor
Dr. Pamela Klena & Dr. Gregory Cunningham,
Oakland University
In addition to OU Wind and Percussion Faculty
The Honor Band concert will also feature the Oakland University Wind Symphony under the direction of Dr. Gregory Cunningham.
Nomination Instructions:
BAND DIRECTORS
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- PRINT OUT THE ATTACHED STUDENT INTEREST FORM
- PASS OUT TO YOUR STUDENTS AND/OR HANG UP AROUND YOUR BAND ROOM
- INSTRUCT STUDENTS TO FILL OUT THE SELF INTEREST FORM ONLINE AND TURN IN THE BOTTOM TEAR-OFF FORM TO YOU BY SEPTEMBER 26
- BY OCTOBER 3 SUBMIT FORM WITH RANKED LIST OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE FILLED OUT THE STUDENT INTEREST FORM.
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YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULTS BY OCTOBER 8.
SHOULD YOU BE CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HONOR BAND, THERE WILL BE A $50 REGISTRATION FEE. YOU WILL BE EMAILED THE REGISTRATION LINK & SCHEDULE UPON ACCEPTANCE.
(includes lunch and a t-shirt)
For more information, email [email protected]
Clinicians:
Andrew David Perkins (website)
Dr. Pamela Klena
Dr. Gregory Cunningham
We are excited to announce that we will be having a Theatre Day for high school students on Saturday, November 16th. This day will include a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting on live theatre productions, and will include a panel with students and faculty, discussions about careers in theatre, and complimentary tickets to one or both productions being put on that day. Depending on your chosen options, lunch and/or dinner will be provided.
More details and registration details to come very soon!
School of Music, Theatre and Dance
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Fax: (248) 370-2041
[email protected]
The Oakland University Youth Saxophone Ensemble (OUYSE) is under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Heisler, professor of saxophone at Oakland University and Alex Sellers, OU SMTD’s recruitment and outreach manager. Open to middle school and high school saxophonists (grades 8-12), the ensemble explores a wide range of music written for large saxophone ensemble utilizing soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones while also developing student’s playing skills and musicianship. In addition to performing in the ensemble, all students receive specialized instruction through sectional coaching by Oakland University saxophone studio students and alumni.
The OUYSE Course meets Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 pm for a 12 week session (March - June) at a cost of $250 per student. Culminating concerts will be organized at various venues throughout the community.
Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Heisler or Prof. Alex Sellers for further information at [email protected] & [email protected]
More information will be coming soon. Fill out the form using the button below to be notified once registration launches.