Category: Music

See the Rozsa stage transformed into an intimate jazz-club atmosphere for the Jazz Showcase: Backstage at the Rozsa. The Rozsa stage will become a jazz lounge with cocktail tables and cash bar, and of course hot jazz provided by two Michigan Tech jazz ensembles: the Jazz Lab Band and the Research and Development Big Band, with special guest performances both nights by Mike Christianson, the new Michigan Tech Director of Bands.

Read more at Tech Today, by Bethany Jones.

Backstage at the Rozsa: Jazz Showcase

Read more at the Michigan Tech Lode, by Alex Saari.

Campus Jazz Band takes the Rozsa

Read more at the Michigan Tech Lode, by Nick Blecha.

With the combined talent of over 60 musicians, the musical director says the goal of “From Russia with Love” is to tell a story.

“‘Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘Antar Symphony,’ the Shostakovich Symphony, the fascinating history of the mockery of the Stalin regime through a symphony. It’s a compelling program and a compelling educational program and its musical merit is very compelling,” Neves said.

The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra performances:

Norway-Vulcan Performing Arts Center Thursday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $10 and $5 for students

Marquette’s Kaufman Auditorium Saturday, October 27 at 7 p.m.
Tickets $12 for adults and $5 for students

Escanaba’s William Oliver Auditorium Sunday, October 28 at 2 p.m.
Tickets $10 adults $5 for students

Read more at Upper Michigans Source, by Gabrielle Mays.

A day to celebrate the Keweenaw

This year, students were greeted by crowd favorite tunes by the Michigan Tech Pep Band, and a rock band eventually took the stage to pump out popular music from the last decade.

Read more at the Mining Gazette, by Stacey Kukkonen.

Interspersed throughout the season are also numerous local classical music concerts, with multiple concerts by the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, which will also perform with the Hampton [Rock] String Quartet. Jazz aficionados can attend the Jazz Showcase in the fall or the Don Keranen Memorial Jazz Concert in the spring, and there will also be a pair of choral concerts by the Tech Concert Choir and the Michigan Tech Chamber Singers.

Read more at the Mining Gazette, by Zach Kukkonen.

JD Hill has submitted a photo of the Pep Band from 1993.

Read more in the TechAlum Newsletter, From the Email Bag, Vol. 18, No. 24, July 17, 2012.

Title: Instructor or Visiting Assistant Professor/Director of Bands

Department: Visual and Performing Arts (www.mtu.edu/vpa/)

Status: Full-time/Non-tenure Track

Description: Michigan Technological University seeks a dynamic conductor-educator to fill the position of Director of Bands for an annual appointment renewable for up to two additional years beginning August 2012.  The position entails directing a growing and innovative band program with a 250-member pep band, an auditioned wind symphony, and a non-auditioned concert band.  Other activities include coaching chamber ensembles, advising student organizations, and participating in yearly regional tours.  The successful candidate will demonstrate a high level of conducting ability, thorough knowledge of the band repertoire, significant experience in recruitment and retention, proven ability to innovate and grow a successful band program, and a strong commitment to music education.

Teaching Responsibilities: Conduct Superior Wind Symphony, Campus Concert Band, and Huskies Pep Band.  Teach music theory and other music courses.

Required Qualifications: Masters degree in music completed by July 2012.  Evidence of successful teaching and conducting experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Doctoral degree in music.  Experience teaching academic music courses at the university and/or secondary level.  Advanced skills on a band instrument.

To Apply: Screening begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Candidates will email: 1) letter of application, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) phone and email for five references, and 4) video clip (preferably YouTube) of representative conducting in both performance and rehearsal to jbneves@mtu.edu.  Questions may be referred to Dr. Joel Neves, Search Committee Chair, via this email or phone (906-487-2859).

Other Information: The Visual and Performing Arts Department—comprised of visual art, theatre, sound, and music divisions—is one of the most innovative and successful arts organizations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Michigan Technological University (www.mtu.edu), established in 1885, is a nationally recognized research university and a leader in science and engineering education. Michigan Tech ranks in the top tier of national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s latest edition of America’s Best Colleges. Michigan Tech is located in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula, on the south shore of Lake Superior.  Houghton and the surrounding Keweenaw Peninsula are well known for natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities in all seasons.  Recently, Houghton was ranked in “The 100 Best Small Towns in America.”  Houghton provides a unique setting where natural beauty, culture, education and the diversity of residents from around the world come together to provide a superb living experience.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/ Equal Opportunity Employer.

Director of Bands Vacancy – VPA – Michigan Tech (PDF)