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
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 smtdadmissions@oakland.edu.
Nominations have been extended and are now due Monday, October 16
Featuring: Oakland University 2023 High School Honor Orchestra with Zeljko (Bill) Milicevic, principal clinician and conductor, and Dr. Gregory Cunningham, conductor.
Honor Orchestra Schedule
Friday, November
4 p.m. - Violin Check-In
4:30 p.m. - Viola, Cello, Bass Check-In
5 p.m. - Chair Placement Auditions
7 p.m. - Rehearsal
9 p.m. - Rehearsal Ends
Saturday, November 4
1- 2:15 p.m. - Sectionals
2:30 p.m. - Rehearsal
3:30 p.m. - Break
3:45 p.m.- Rehearsal
4:30 p.m. - Observe Oakland Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal
5 p.m. - Dinner (provided)
5:30 p.m. - Final Rehearsal
7 p.m. - Honor Orchestra CONCERT in Varner Recital Hall
Scholarship Auditions for Fall 2024 Admission to the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance (optional)
For any seniors who are looking at being a music major or minor at OU, we will be holding in- person scholarship auditions for the OU School of Music, Theatre and Dance during the Honor Band Weekend.
For scholarship auditions, be prepared to play the following: Two contrasting works from the following three choices: (1) a movement from a J.S. Bach solo sonata, partita or suite, or other Baroque work; (2) a movement from a 19th or 20th century sonata or concerto; (3) a work of the student’s choice.
Should you be chosen to participate in the Honor Orchestra, there will be a $50 registration fee. You will be emailed the registration link & schedule upon acceptance. (includes lunch and a t-shirt)
Questions? Email smtdadmissions@oakland.edu
For a complete list of performances, visit oakland.edu/SMTD
Nominations are due October 11
Featuring: TWO 2023 Honor Bands: 9th/10th Grade Band & 11th/12th Grade Band
With Clinicians:
Randall Standridge, composer, educator and conductor
Dr. Pamela Klena & Dr. Gregory Cunningham, Oakland University
in addition to OU Wind and Percussion Faculty
The Honor Band concerts will also feature the Oakland University Wind Symphony under the direction of Dr. Gregory Cunningham.
Location: Varner Hall
Schedule:
Friday, November 10
5:30 - 9
Saturday, November 11
9th/10th Grade Band: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. Concert
11th/12th Grade Band 8:30 a.m. to 7p.m. with a 5 p.m. Concert
Scholarship Auditions for Fall 2024 Admission to the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance (optional)
For any seniors who are looking at being a music major or minor at OU, we will be holding in- person scholarship auditions for the OU School of Music, Theatre and Dance during the Honor Band Weekend.
For scholarship auditions, be prepared to play a movement of a sonata or concerto or two contrasting etudes.
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 smtdadmissions@oakland.edu.
Attention Flutists, Oboists, Clarinetists, Bassoonists and Saxophonists! Please join us for a day dedicated to all things woodwind with Oakland University faculty on Sunday, October 8, 2023. This day-long event is for woodwind players and educators of all ages and levels and will include workshops, performances, masterclasses, all-state rep, a woodwind ensemble reading session and vendors.
Faculty:
- Brandon LePage, flute
- Timothy Michling, Oboe
- Ralph Skiano, clarinet (DSO Affiliate)
- Michelle Tschirhart, clarinet
- Cornelia Sommer, bassoon (DSO Affiliate)
- Stacey Jamison, bassoon
- Jeffrey Heisler, saxophone
- Gregory Cunningham, conductor
- Pamela Klena, conductor
Vendors:
- Meridian Winds
- Flute World
Schedule:
- 8:30 a.m. - Check in at the Varner Recital Hall Lobby
- 9 a.m. - Faculty Recital
- 10:15 a.m. - Faculty Masterclasses for each instrument - warm ups, all state rep, and more
- 11:15 AND 11:45 a.m.- Choose Your Own Adventure - each workshop is 30 minutes long and open to any instrument. They will be offered twice, so you can attend two different workshops:
- How to build a practice schedule - Prof. Brandon LePage
- Improvisation and playing by ear - Prof. Timothy Michling
- Preparing for College Auditions - Prof. Michelle Tschirhart
- Tech in the practice room - Prof. Ralph Skiano
- Intro to Arranging - Prof. Cornelia Sommer
- 12:15 p.m. - Lunch (pizza provided by OU), vendor time
- 1 p.m. - Woodwind Ensemble Reading Session involving all attendees, OU woodwind students, and faculty - directed by Dr. Gregory Cunningham, and Dr. Pamela Klena (friends and family are invited to listen)
- 1:30 p.m. - Meet and Greet with faculty and parents, vendor time
$20 registration covers registration and lunch.