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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].

Piano Day - Saturday, October 12, 2024
Date: 10/12/2024
Location: Varner Hall, 371 Varner Dr. Rochester, MI 48309
OU Faculty: Tian Tian, Rebecca Happel, I-Chen Yeh
Guest Artists: Chia-Ying Chan, David Brickle

 

Masterclass: 3-4 performers/60 minutes per session
All lessons will be offered in the form of a 60-minute masterclass. If you select Elementary-Intermediate, which includes a 15-minute individual lesson, you will observe three other performers' lessons before or after your own. Similarly, if you choose Advanced Intermediate-Advanced, you will receive a 20-minute lesson and observe two others perform during your session. 

 

Group Class: 6-8 students/30 minutes per class
Students will receive a 30-minute group class in the areas of SR/Technique with Professor Tian. Technical passages will be selected so students can understand how grouping can help both with the learning process and performance. 

 

Guest recital: 1PM
Drs. Chia-Ying Chan and David Brickle will present a duo concert premiering The Cloudy Sky by Chen-Yu Huang as well as works by Mozart, Mendelssoh, Leon and others.

 

Fee: 
Elementary to Intermediate Level: $40; 15-minute individual lesson in a 60-minute masterclass setting
Advanced-Intermediate to Advanced Level: $45; 20-minute individual lesson in a 60-minute masterclass setting

 

Please contact Tian Tian at [email protected] for more questions or Sign Up Here!
Woodwind Day - Sunday, October 6, 2024

OU Woodwind Day

Sunday, Oct. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Varner Recital Hall | 371 Varner Drive in Rochester

Attention all woodwind players and educators! We are thrilled to invite you to a dynamic, day-long event on October 6th, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Oakland University’s Varner Recital Hall. Whether you’re a flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon or saxophone player, this event is designed for musicians of all ages and skill levels.

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.
High School Honor Band - November 8 & 9, 2024

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

      1. PRINT OUT THE ATTACHED STUDENT INTEREST FORM
      2. PASS OUT TO YOUR STUDENTS AND/OR HANG UP AROUND YOUR BAND ROOM
      3. INSTRUCT STUDENTS TO FILL OUT THE SELF INTEREST FORM ONLINE AND TURN IN THE BOTTOM TEAR-OFF FORM TO YOU BY SEPTEMBER 26
      4. BY OCTOBER 3 SUBMIT FORM WITH RANKED LIST OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE FILLED OUT THE STUDENT INTEREST FORM.

 

YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULTS BY OCTOBER 8.

PRINT OUT STUDENT INTEREST FORM HERE

DIRECTOR RANKING FORM (submit by October 3)

 

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

Theatre Day - Sunday, November 16, 2024

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

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

Oakland University Youth Saxophone Ensemble - March through June

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.

OYSE Notification form