OU music intensives offer young learners new insights, inspiration

The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at Oakland University invites students who wish to expand their musical horizons and experience music in a university setting to take part in daylong music intensives scheduled in January and February. Each of these fun, hands-on workshops feature distinguished musicians and educators who'll work with students individually and in groups to provide a distinct learning experience that is both enlightening and inspirational. The intensives include:

Woodwinds Day – Flute and Clarinet Master Classes – Saturday, Jan. 7
Designed for high school students, this event is hosted by OU Associate Professor of Clarinet George Stoffan, who will be joined by Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians Sharon Sparrow, principal flute; Jeffery Zook, piccolo and flute; and Shannon Orme, bass clarinet. Special guest will be Christopher Hill, principal clarinetist of the South Dakota Symphony, clarinetist with the Dakota Woodwind Quintet and renowned clarinet mouthpiece designer. For more information, call (248) 370-2030 or e-mail to stapleto@oakland.edu. To register, visit oakland.edu/woodwindsday12.

Voice Day – Saturday, Jan. 14
Dr. Adam Rubin, M.D., laryngologist, and Dr. Cristina Menaldi, speech and language pathologist, will present the best strategies and tips for developing and maintaining a healthy singing voice. Students will interact in a team-taught voice master class by the husband and wife singer/teacher team, Drs. Alta and Drake Dantzler, as well as receive complimentary tickets to the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance's performance of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. To register, visit oakland.edu/voiceday12. For more information, call (248) 370·2030 or e-mail to stapleto@oakland.edu.

Percussion Day – Featuring Joe Reilly – Saturday, Jan. 28
Students will enjoy a full day of activities focusing on percussion from around the world, including solo and ensemble coaching, drumming in the classroom, South Indian rhythmic structures, a jazz drum-off and drum clinic, native drum and song, Ghanaian percussion, a kalimba clinic and a drum circle. For more information, e-mail to stapleto@oakland.edu or call (248) 370-2030.

Piano Day – A Day in Varner Hall in Celebration of the Piano – Saturday, Feb. 4
This intensive will offer enriching artistic experiences tailored to students aged 10-18, including private diagnostic lessons from OU piano faculty, a workshop with a 20th century music specialist, choreography of JS Bach's keyboard dances, a Showcase Concert by OU piano students, an honors recital by selected participants, and the presentation of cash prizes and awards. There is a $30 application fee. For more information or to register, visit oakland.edu/pianoday, e-mail to happel@oakland.edu or call (248) 370-3020.