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. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 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:
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.
Details TBA soon.
Presenting the
OAKLAND UNIVERSITY
2025 HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BANDS
(9/10th Grade Band & 11/12th Grade Band)
WHEN
November 7 - 8, 2025
Friday: November 7 (5:00 PM) - Saturday: November 8 (5:30 PM)
WHERE
Varner Hall at Oakland University
371 Varner Drive in Rochester, MI
WITH CLINICIANS
9/10th Grade Honor Band - Damien Crutcher, conductor
11/12th Grade Honor Band - Dr. Kevin Geraldi, conductor
Dr. Pamela Klena & Dr. Gregory Cunningham, Oakland University
In addition to OU Wind and Percussion Faculty
Nomination instructions will be made available soon.
Details TBA soon.
Details TBA soon.
Details TBA soon.
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.
Details TBA soon.
Please check back for more information shortly.
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]
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]
