Oakland University Wind Symphony
The Wind Symphony (MUE 331) is Oakland University’s premier wind band comprised of undergraduate and graduate student musicians selected annually through competitive audition. Under the direction of Director of Bands, Dr. Gregory Cunningham, the Wind Symphony maintains an active schedule of concerts both on and off campus, with most recent performance highlights that include a three-day Michigan mini-tour and conference performance at the 2009 Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. Many Wind Symphony graduates have gone on to pursue graduate study in performance (with assistantships/fellowships) at such schools as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, New Mexico State University and Northwestern State University (LA). Music education graduates of this ensemble are active music educators throughout the United States with positions at the elementary, secondary and collegiate levels.
Oakland University Symphonic Band
Founded in 2006, the Oakland University Symphonic Band (MUE 329) is a concert band comprised of student musicians drawn from all majors within Oakland University, and is open to all university students without audition. The Symphonic Band, under the direction of Director of Bands, Dr. Gregory Cunningham, performs concerts on the Oakland University campus with repertoire drawn from the finest of contemporary and traditional band literature.
Oakland University Brass Band
Founded in January of 2010, the newest instrumental ensemble on Oakland’s campus is the Oakland University Brass Band (MUE 374). Under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Kroesche, this traditional British brass band enjoys an active performance schedule, and was recently named the 2010 Winner of the National Brass Band Association competition (Section Three) held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Golden Grizzlies Band
Comprised of over 100 students from the Oakland University campus community, the Golden Grizzlies Band (MUE 332) performs at many university activities, including all Oakland University men’s and women’s basketball games. The Golden Grizzlies Band travels with the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s teams for annual conference tournaments and post-season play. In 2010, the Golden Grizzlies Band accompanied the men’s basketball team to the first round of the NCAA conference tournament (Western Region) in Milwaukee, WI. The Golden Grizzlies Band is under the supervision of Dr. Kenneth Kroesche and directed by Mr. Scott Fryer.
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 Gregory Cunningham Professor and Coordinator of
Instrumental Music received his Ed.D. from the University of
Illinois. A frequent clinician and guest conductor of elementary, secondary,
collegiate and professional ensembles throughout the United States,
he serves as Principal Conductor of the Oakland Symphony,
conducts the OU Symphonic Band and teaches undergraduate and graduate
level conducting and Instrumental Music Education. Before teaching at the collegiate level, Dr. Cunningham had seven
years of public school teaching experience. Contact Professor Cunningham.
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 Kenneth Kroesche, Coordinator of Instrumental Applied Music is Associate Director of Bands and Professor of Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba. Kroesche received his D.M.A. from the University of Michigan and is recognized throughout the United States as a leading performer, clinician, conductor and teacher of low brass. Throughout his career, his experience has ranged from performing a euphonium concerto with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center to having taught in the public schools. Contact Professor Kroesche.
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