Category: Music

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)

Dona Nobis Pacem, an emotional experience for all

Both the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Concert Choir finished their 2011-12 concert seasons on Saturday, April 14 with a joint concert, Dona Nobis Pacem. The concert, which ran for a little less than two hours, was divided into three parts. In the first part, the KSO performed Camille Sant-Saëns’ “Bacchanale” and Claude Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” under the direction of Dr. Joel Neves. In the second, the Concert Choir performed Jonathan Dove’s “Ring Out, Wild Bells” and Concert Choir founder Milton Olsson’s “Moments” under the direction of Dr. Jared Anderson. Following an intermission, the KSO and Concert Choir combined under Dr. Anderson for the featured performance of Dona nobis pacem, with Lara Neves as mezzo-soprano and Nathan Herfindalh as baritone soloists.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Lode, by Nick Blecha. Note: The captions and photos for Joel Neves and Jared Anderson are switched.

An exciting two days of music at Michigan Tech

The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra rehearses Friday at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts for its concert with the Michigan Tech Concert Choir at 7:30 p.m. today at the Rozsa.

Read more at the Mining Gazette, by Stacey Kukkonen.

Dona Nobis Pacem. “Grant Us Peace”

The main piece of the upcoming Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Tech Concerts Choir concert has a rich history behind it. Vaughan Williams, the composer, wrote this song based on the poetry of Walt Whitman. Both men served the wounded in war, Williams in the trenches of World War I and Whitman in a Washington D.C. hospital during the American Civil War.

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

Orchestra, Choir Present “Dona Nobis Pacem” and More

The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and the Concert Choir will perform Ralph Vaughan Williams” war cantata, “Dona Nobis Pacem,” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 14, in the Rozsa Center.

Conductor Jared Anderson states, “Vaughan Williams’ orchestral colors and lush instrumentation make this piece a real pleasure to perform. We are excited to have two first-rate soloists join us in this monumental work. The singers and instrumentalists from Michigan Tech have been working very hard to make this performance an experience to remember.”

Soprano Lara Neves and baritone Nathan Herfindahl will join in the performance of this gripping portrait of warfare and heartfelt plea for peace.

Read more at Tech Today, by Bethany Jones.

Libby Meyer and her fabulous fiddle, accompanied by her henchmen, Dave Bezotte, Randy Seppala, and Oren Tikkanen, at the IRISH TIMES in Laurium, St. Patrick’s Day, Sat, March 17, 7-11 PM. Reels, jigs, and rowdy songs–come on out!

Don Keranen Memorial Concert

Both the R&D Big Band and the Jazz Lab Band were joined by two guest artists, both from the Twin Cities area. One of the two, Gus Sandberg, is a native of Chassell. He has a degree in music performance (saxophone) from the University of Wisconsin – Stephen’s Point, and has played with groups such as the Jack Brass Band, Mike Sterling, and the Irresistibles, and Dr. Mambo’s Combo. The other, Scott Agster, is a trombonist who studied for both bachelor and master’s degrees in music at the University of North Texas. He was worked with The Jack Brass Band, Salsa del Soul, and Tom Hunter and the Blues Frenzy.

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

45 years of jazz

See the photo at the Mining Gazette, by Stacey Kukkonen.

Reminder: Celebrate 45 Years of Jazz at the Rozsa

Alumni will play a big role in the festivities, and a reception for them will follow the concert. “We’ve got alums from all over coming back,” Mike Irish, director of Jazz Studies, said. So far, the oldest will be Tim Nielsen ’76, and the youngest will be Andy Kurzeniewski ’10.

Read more at Tech Today, by Bethany Jones.

Annual Memorial Concert is fast approaching

Right now, the Michigan Tech jazz bands are putting the finishing touches on their performances for the upcoming annual Don Keranen Memorial Concert, just like every year. This year, however, is not just like every year: the jazz program is celebrating its 45th anniversary.

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

Celebrate! Forty-five Years of Jazz at Michigan Tech

A forty-fifth anniversary is a great reason to celebrate, and the jazz program at Michigan Technological University intends to party hearty.

It all starts on Friday, March 23, at 8:00 p.m. with the Off ‘Dem Jam Session at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Hancock.

The forty-fifth anniversary concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the Rozsa Center. It will also be the twelfth annual Don Keranen Memorial Concert.

Read more at Michigan Tech News, by Dennis Walikainen.

Mike Irish Presents Jazz Night at the Orpheum Theater…and admission is FREE!! Come check out the groovy tunes in the beautiful Orpheum atmosphere… The event takes place on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The Orpheum is located at 426 Quincy St., Hancock, MI. The venue is a remodeled vaudeville theatre built in 1910. For more information, visit the Studio Pizza website.

KSO performs third show

Four pieces were performed, three of them being of classical composers and the final being a premiere of Michigan Tech’s very own Dr. Milton Olson. While all the pieces felt familiar they all had their own personalities that set them apart. Each piece felt as though a tragedy was being played out. It was very easy for the audience to envision the picture behind the music.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Lode, by Mandy Barbul-Couch.

Olsson to premiere ‘Dialogues’ with KSO

Because of his knowledge of the KSO, Olsson also was able to give parts to players who may not get to show off their skills as often. “It’s an interesting work; there’s a solo for alto flute, a solo for electric guitar,” Neves said. “It’s challenging but fun because it’s personalized. Because of his knowledge of the KSO, Olsson also was able to give parts to players who may not get to show off their skills as often. “It’s an interesting work; there’s a solo for alto flute, a solo for electric guitar,” Neves said. “It’s challenging but fun because it’s personalized.

Read more at the Mining Gazette, by Zach Kukkonen.

KSO Performs Milt Olsson Composition

The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra will perform the premier of Milt Olsson’s “Dialogues for Orchestra”. Conductor Joel Neves said the KSO commissioned Olsson, former conductor of the orchestra, to compose a new work that coincided with the ensemble’s 40th anniversary.

Read more at Tech Today, by Bethany Jones.

Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra performing at the Rozsa

The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra is nearly ready to perform its third concert of the 2011-12 season. On February 18 at 7:30 pm, the KSO will not only kick off 2012 with the ever-popular William Tell Overture, but will also debut a brand-new piece by Milton Olsson. Olsson was the previous director of the KSO, before current director Dr. Joel Neves, and has written other pieces for Michigan Tech’s musical ensembles: in 1999, the KSO premiered his Konzertstück, and in 2000 the KSO and Michigan Tech Concert Choir teamed up to premier his Mass for Choir and Orchestra.

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

Warm your cold winter bones and nourish your soul with some hot jazz, funk and blues at the Jazz Club Cabaret at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28, in the McArdle Theatre.

Mike Irish, director of Jazz Studies, says two dynamic groups–Jaztec and Momentum–will perform.

Irish has a broad background in jazz studies as both an educator and performer.

Jaztec continues in its great tradition of jazz standards and contemporary jazz, with their own creative twist. Mark Maguire, guitar; Caleb Roty, sax; Jack Matheson, bass; Michael Coburn, piano/vibes; and Kyle Frazier, drums, have created some wonderful arrangements of well-known tunes.

Momentum features Nick Black, saxes; Laura Black, keyboards; Jacob Posega, bass; and Troy Bouman, drums. They will perform some of the deepest grooves and funkiest tunes in the area.

Read more at Tech Today. Original article submitted by Bethany Jones.

Learn more about small jazz combos at Michigan Tech.