To enrich the musical experience of our students and our audiences, faculty members create programs that bring together ensembles from the Department as well as artists and teachers from around the campus and the country.
MULTIBAND POPS
Now in its 36th year, Multiband Pops is a fast-paced showcase event that includes performances by many of our ensembles. This annual event, which usually takes place on Homecoming Weekend in the fall, often includes our Chapel Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble I, Minuteman Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Band, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble. The University Dancers, an ensemble of advanced dance majors, performs at Multiband Pops, and the event has recently expanded to include Chamber Choir as well. It attracts a sell-out audience each year that includes students, parents, faculty, administrators, alumni, community members and families from around New England and the United States. This year: Friday, November 4, 2011. Link to Concert Calendar listing.
UMASS AMHERST POPS GALA
The Pops Gala, now in its 9th year, is a Spring semester campus favorite, combining the University Orchestra with Jazz or Wind Bands, UMass Dancers, and guest artists. In the style of the Boston Pops, campus and community people, and alumni sit at tables enjoying food and drink, light classics, jazz and movie music. The event provides opportunities for a sponsor to advertise his/her business to the upscale Pops Gala audience. In 2012 the Pops Gala had a New Orleans theme, and included a special dinner and chef's demonstration as well as musical entertainment.
This year: Friday, March 9, 2012. Link to 2012 New Orleans @UMass web page. Link to Sponsor Benefits.
CHORAL SPECTRUM
Choral Spectrum presents UMass Amherst choral ensembles in concert with the choirs of Massachusetts high schools and community music schools. Campus ensembles often include the Chamber Choir, Chorale, Madrigal Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Women's Choir and Men's Choir. This year: Saturday, October 29, 2011. Link to Concert Calendar listing.
STRING DAY
Conceived by the String Faculty in 2005, String Day has become an annual event involving faculty, students, string players of all ages, parents and teachers. A vehicle for pre-college string students to experience music at the college level, and for college students to teach, the all-day event includes a faculty concert, masterclass, an informal orchestra rehearsal and a mini-concert. This year: Sunday, March 4, 2012. Link to String Day webpage. Link to String Day 2012 Information/Registration Form.
SAXOPHONE SYMPOSIUM
(Link to Saxophone Studio site)
This gathering of saxophonists at UMass Amherst is now in its 30th year. Coordinated by Professor Lynn Klock and usually occurring in April, the day-long event features recitals by Klock, guest classical and jazz artists and professional-level saxophone quartets. This year: Saturday, April 21, 2012. Link to 2012 Concert Calendar listing.
DOUBLE REED DAY
The first Double Reed Day, hosted by Oboe Professor Fredric T. Cohen and Bassoon Professor Stephen Walt, is a gathering for high school and college oboe and bassoon players, teachers, and adults. The Day features guest artist performances, reed workshops with master reedmakers, opportunities to try new instruments, and a Double Reed Band jam at the end of the day.
HONOR BAND DAY
Selected high school wind and percussion students from several states come together for a day of rehearsals and workshops under the direction of Professor James Patrick Miller. The day culminates with a formal concert in the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. This year will feature Travis J. Cross as Guest Conductor and Composer. This year: Saturday, February 11, 2012. Link to details.
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