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].
Woodwind Day - Sunday, October 5, 2025
OU Woodwind Day
Sunday, Oct. 5 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:
• Jeffrey Zook, flute
• 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.
Choose Your Own Breakout Session:
Back by popular demand, we will have a number of short presentations by our Woodwind faculty that participants will have the option of checking out. Presentations should be about 25 mintues long, and participants will be able to participate in two separate presentations during the day.
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:
Registration will open on September 1, 2025. 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. We look forward to seeing you there.
Piano Day - Sunday, October 12, 2025
Details TBA soon.
Voice Day - Saturday, November 15, 2025
Details TBA soon.
Theatre Day - Saturday, November 15, 2025
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!
Brass Expo - Saturday, December 13, 2025
Details TBA soon.
Percussion Day - Saturday, May 2, 2026
Details TBA soon.
Youth Saxophone Ensemble
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 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]
Registration details will be coming soon.
Youth Brass Ensemble
Details TBA soon.Are you auditioning for the 2025/2026 MSBOA All-State bands? Our instrumental faculty have put together a series of videos featuring performances of this year's etudes for each instrument, along with expert tips on how to approach and interpret them. These videos are designed to help you feel confident and prepared as you tackle your audition music. Check out the links below to access valuable guidance directly from our faculty!
| Instrument | Faculty Member | Information from Faculty Member | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bassoon | Dr. Cornelia Sommer |
Hello! My name is Cornelia Sommer, and I go by Nellie. I am a bassoonist with the Detroit Symphony. I teach bassoon privately to students of all ages and levels, and I am also the bassoon instructor at Oakland University. This video includes complete performances and tips for the middle and high school All-State etudes for Michigan in 2024/25.
If you have questions, or are interested in a bassoon clinic for your band in the Detroit area, or want to inquire about private lessons, please contact me at [email protected] or through the contact form on my website www.corneliasommer.com.
|
School of Music, Theatre and Dance
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Fax: (248) 370-2041
[email protected]
School of Music, Theatre and Dance
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
Academic Office: (248) 370-2030
Fax: (248) 370-2041
[email protected]
For all event or ticketing questions:
Box Office: (248) 370-3013
Email: [email protected]
