Workshops and Honor Ensembles

OU Woodwind Day

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

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. 1. 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.

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

Clinicians:

Andrew David Perkins (website)

Dr. Pamela Klena

Dr. Gregory Cunningham

Join Us for the 2024 Theatre Day!

Get ready for an exciting day filled with performances, workshops, and insights from our talented faculty and students!

Featuring:

Show 1: Thanksgiving Play

Show 2: Pipeline

Choose Your Experience:

1) Both Shows + Workshops - $40

• Dive into the full Theatre Day experience! Enjoy both shows and participate in engaging workshops where you’ll learn from our dedicated faculty and students.

2)  Thanksgiving Play + Workshops - $30

• Join us for Thanksgiving and take part in interactive workshops that will enhance your skills and inspire your creativity.

3) Pipeline + Workshops - $30

• Catch Pipeline and gain access to enriching workshops, perfect for honing your craft and connecting with our community.

We Understand!

If cost is a barrier for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. Contact Alex Sellers at fasellers@oakland.edu to discuss how we can work together to find a more affordable option!

What’s Included?

• Admission to the show(s) of your choice
• Access to a panel discussion with the staff from each show
• Engaging workshops led by our esteemed faculty and passionate students
• Dinner and coffee/snacks provided

Tentative Schedule:

• 1:30-2:00 PM: Check-in/registration
• 2:00-3:30 PM: Thanksgiving Play
• 3:45-4:15 PM: Talkback with cast and designers
• 4:15-4:30 PM: Coffee & snacks
• 4:30-5:00 PM: Tour of space
• 5:00-6:00 PM: Workshop or program meetings
• 6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
• 7:00-7:45 PM: Q&A with Jeremy
• 8:00-9:30 PM: Pipeline
• 9:45-10:15 PM: Talkback with cast and designers

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of theatre! Register now to secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable experience!

Printable Flyer

Register here

Join us for an inspiring day of brass performance, learning, and community at the Brass Expo on Saturday, December 14th, hosted by Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance! Open to all high school brass players, the Brass Expo is a fantastic opportunity to rehearse and perform in brass ensembles, culminating in an evening concert with the esteemed Oakland University Brass Band.

What to Expect:

Starting at 1:00 pm, students will be immersed in a series of rehearsals and sectionals led by OU faculty and students. Participants will get the chance to work in focused, instrument-specific groups and come together as a full ensemble, preparing for an unforgettable final performance. Dinner is provided, and the day concludes with a concert at 7:30 pm.

Instructors:

• Kenneth Kroesche – Conductor, Trombone & Euphonium
• Amanda Ross – Trumpet
• David Denniston – French Horn
• Brandon Thibault – Tuba

Cost: $25 per student

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, meet fellow brass enthusiasts, or experience playing in a brass ensemble, this day promises to be educational and fun.

Register Here

Join Us for a Day of Percussive Exploration at Oakland University!
Attention all percussionists and educators! We are thrilled to invite you to a dynamic, day-long event on January 11th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, at Oakland University’s Varner Hall. Whether you are interested in marimba, snare drum, steel pans, drumset, African gyil, tabla, percussion ensemble… we’ve got something for everyone!

Kickstart the Day with an OU Student Recital:
Our spectacular students will open the day with a recital featuring the percussion ensemble, the steel band, and select solo performances on marimba, gyil, and more!

Meet Our Esteemed Faculty and Staff:

• Patrick Fitzgibbon, Steel Band/Latin Jazz Ensemble
• Gayelynn McKinney, Applied Drum Set
• Justin Lamb, Applied Concert Percussion/ Chamber Percussion Ensemble
• Mark Stone, African Drum and Xylophone Ensemble/ Creative Jazz Ensemble

Our percussion faculty bring a wealth of experience and expertise across many percussion instruments and styles. You are guaranteed to see something new at this event!

Interactive Mini Clinics:
Throughout the day, we will have quick 40-minute clinics with each of the four faculty above. These sessions will feature an array of percussion instruments and musical styles and participants will be encouraged to play and interact.

MS/HS Percussion Ensembles:
We will have a dedicated hour for local MS & HS percussion ensembles to perform and receive feedback. If you are interested in having your ensemble perform, please email Dr. Justin Lamb (jlamb3@oakland.edu) to confirm ensemble instrument needs.

OU Faculty Concert:
At the conclusion of this event, our four percussion faculty members will join forces together to bring you a unique and diverse set of music that will have something for everyone!

Registration:
The cost for this incredible day of music is just $20. This will include lunch for all registrants. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, play, and connect with fellow percussion enthusiasts.

Mark your calendars and register today! We look forward to seeing you there.

Event Cost: $20

Register Here

Voice Day at Oakland University

Join us for Voice Day at Oakland University, a three-hour immersive experience designed to inspire and develop high school vocalists. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, seeking expert feedback, or looking to grow as a singer, this event provides an invaluable opportunity to work closely with our esteemed faculty.

What to Expect:

• Participate in engaging workshops led by Dr. Alta Boover Dantzler and Dr. Cat Bennett, accomplished performers and educators.
• Work with a professional pianist to elevate your performance.
• Receive personalized feedback to refine your vocal technique and artistry.

Cost: $20 per participant

Special Bonus:

Voice Day attendees will receive free tickets to Oakland University’s opera double feature:

1. The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti
2. The Impresario (Der Schauspieldirektor) by W. A. Mozart

Each participant can also bring two family members to enjoy this exceptional performance.

About the Operas:

• The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti:

Originally written for NBC radio, this one-act opera delves into the gossip and secrets of a seemingly quiet town. Middle-aged spinster Miss Todd is thrown into turmoil when a handsome wanderer arrives at her door. As her admiration grows, so do her questionable choices, leading to unexpected twists in this fast-paced and melodramatic opera buffa.

• The Impresario (Der Schauspieldirektor) by W. A. Mozart:

This delightful opera revolves around impresario Frank’s efforts to assemble a troupe of actors and singers amidst their rivalries and whims. From dramatic auditions to feuding prima donnas, the story highlights the chaos and humor of the theatrical world. Ultimately, the performers come together, recognizing that art flourishes through collaboration and harmony.

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your skills, connect with industry professionals, and enjoy an evening of world-class vocal performances!

Pre-register now to save your spot using the following link! Once the registration portal has been activated, an email will be sent out to all pre-registrants to finish signing up.

Pre-Register Now!

Please check back for more information shortly.

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 jaheisle@oakland.edu & fasellers@oakland.edu

More information will be coming soon. Fill out the form using the button below to be notified once registration launches.

OYSE Notification form