Saturday Music Workshops
Christopher Newport University presents the following Saturday Music Workshops for middle and high school students and directors who have a desire to improve tone, technique, interpretation, practice skills, audition strategies, and use of technology. Each workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the beautiful Ferguson Center for the Arts. The $25 registration fee includes a magnificent buffet lunch in our incredible David Student Union and a t-shirt that commemorates the event. To register, please contact Music Program Coordinator Elise Rose either by e-mail at elise.rose@cnu.edu or by telephone at (757) 594-8785.
December 14, 2024: Audition Strategies
- Featuring flautist Ms. Kathleen Winters
- Deadline to register: Friday, November 15
The day will include information on audition strategies, repertoire selection, practice regimentations, and mental focus. Special emphasis will be placed on preparing for All-District Band auditions.
January 18, 2025: Music Technology
- Featuring music technologist and composer Dr. Maxwell Tfirn
- Deadline to register: Sunday, December 15, 2024
This day will include strategies and techniques for recording and editing sound using the Pro Tools workstation.
February 1, 2025: Trombone
- Featuring trombonist Dr. Christopher Espy
- Deadline to register: Wednesday, January 15
The day will include instruction in tone production and technique, and all participants will rehearse two trombone choir works that will be performed at the end of the day.
March 15, 2025: Percussion
- Featuring percussion instructors Mr. Scott Amman and Mr. Ron Johnson
- Deadline to register: Saturday, February 15
The day will include instruction in keyboard percussion, timpani, drum set, auxiliary percussion, and world percussion.
March 22, 2025: Saxophone
- Featuring saxophone instructor Kenneth Drefke and CNU saxophone majors
- Deadline to register: Saturday, March 1
The day will include instruction in tone production and technique, and all participants will rehearse a saxophone work that will be performed at the end of the day.
April 5, 2025: Piano
- Featuring Director of Keyboard Studies Dr. Benjamin Corbin
- Deadline to register: Wednesday, March 5
Piano Day offers a blend of traditional masterclasses and unique workshops for middle- and high-school aged piano students of all levels. Piano Day combines a high-level of music making, pedagogy, and musical camaraderie in a relaxed, stress-free setting.