Visual and Performing Arts - NMU Events and Announcements

Visual and Performing Arts

Join us for the first NMU Jazz Concert of the Fall 2026 semester! 

The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in Reynolds Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. 

Visual and Performing Arts

Friends, family, and community members are invited to support NMU music students as they showcase their repertoire and develop their performance skills.

Join us Friday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall for the next Student Recital of the semester.

Admission is free!

Visual and Performing Arts

Friends, family, and community members are invited to support NMU music students as they showcase their repertoire and develop their performance skills.

Join us Friday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall for the next Student Recital of the semester.

Admission is free!

Visual and Performing Arts

Friends, family, and community members are invited to support NMU music students as they showcase their repertoire and develop their performance skills.

Join us Friday, Oct. 23, at 1 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall for the next Student Recital of the semester.

Admission is free!

Visual and Performing Arts

Friends, family, and community members are invited to support NMU music students as they showcase their repertoire and develop their performance skills.

Join us Friday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall for the next Student Recital of the semester.

Admission is free!

Visual and Performing Arts

Now in its 32nd season, the “engaging” (New Yorker) low-voice ensemble Cantus is widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. As one of the nation’s few full-time vocal ensembles, Cantus has come to prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process, creating programs that give voice to shared human experiences.

This event is brought to you by the Siril Endowment for the Musical Arts.

Visual and Performing Arts

NMU Music Majors will showcase their primary instruments in the first Student Recital of the semester!

Join us on Friday, Sept. 25, at 1 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall to support our students and celebrate their hard work.

Admission is free!

Visual and Performing Arts

Auditions for the NMU Orchestra will be held Tuesday, Aug. 25, 4–7 p.m. in Thomas Fine Arts (TFA) room 115. 

Those planning to audition should prepare a 60–90 second technical solo or etude and a scale. 

Register for the NMU Orchestra Auditions

First Meeting and Rehearsal Schedule

• First Meeting: Thursday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m., Reynolds Recital Hall
• First Rehearsal: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 4–5:50 p.m.
• Regular Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4–5:50 p.m., beginning Sept. 1, 2026 

Enrollment

All orchestra members are asked to register for one of the following:

• MU116 for .5 credit 
• MU116A for 0 credit for students at their credit limit. Contact Dr. Rhyneer, brhyneer@nmu.edu, for more information. 

Concerts

• Thursday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. – Chamber Orchestra with visiting guest artists ALTAN in Reynolds Recital Hall
• Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. – Strings Only “Big String Festival” at Marquette Senior High School
• Thursday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. – Full Symphony Orchestra Final Concert in Reynolds Recital Hall

Lockers/Practice Rooms

The Music Department Office (TFA 102) checks out lockers, which are located on floor 1A.

Keyed practice rooms are available to majors. Non-majors use the open practice rooms located on floor 1A down the hall from the elevator.

Instrument Checkout

Bringing your own instrument is preferred, but a limited number of instruments (of average quality) are available for checkout on a semester basis. Contact the appropriate faculty member for availability:

• Strings: Dr. Rhyneer, brhyneer@nmu.edu
• Brass: Dr. Flaherty, mflahert@nmu.edu
• Woodwinds: Dr. Vickers, jevicker@nmu.edu; copied to Dr. Riley, striley@nmu.edu.

For questions about the NMU Orchestra or auditions, please contact Dr. Rhyneer, brhyneer@nmu.edu

Thank you for your interest!

Visual and Performing Arts

UP Focus: Kathleen Conover & Yvonne LeMire

Friday, September 25, 5 pm EST - Join us for the talk and reception

The exhibition is on display September 25 - November 7, 2026

The UP Focus is an ongoing exhibition series that highlights professional artists who are from, living in, or heavily influenced by the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. American Watercolor Society painter Kathleen Conover earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle and a Master of Arts degree from Northern Michigan University. Conover is involved with the international watercolor scene and teaches and exhibits her work all over the world, including in Qingdao, China, the “Birthplace of Watercolor.” Global travel continues to influence her award-winning paintings.

Sculptor, jeweler, and certified American Welding Society educator and inspector, Yvonne LeMire earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northern Michigan University with a concentration in Sculpture and a secondary concentration in Human-Centered Design. LeMire served as a full-time Welding Instructor at NMU since 2000. LeMire’s artwork has been featured in exhibitions and commissions around the UP and beyond.

In addition to new works, the exhibition will feature a peek into the sketches of their former studio mate, Maggie Linn.

Museum Hours: 

• Monday - Wednesday: 12pm - 5pm 
• Thursday: 12pm - 8pm 
• Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 5pm 
• Sunday: Closed

Visual and Performing Arts

UP Focus: Kathleen Conover & Yvonne LeMire

September 25 - November 7, 2026

Friday, September 25, 5 pm EST - Join us for the talk and reception

The UP Focus is an ongoing exhibition series that highlights professional artists who are from, living in, or heavily influenced by the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 

American Watercolor Society painter Kathleen Conover earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and her Master of Arts at Northern Michigan University. Conover is involved with the international watercolor scene and teaches and exhibits her work all over the world, including in Qingdao, China, the “Birthplace of Watercolor.” Global travel continues to influence her award-winning paintings. 

Sculptor, jeweler, and certified American Welding Society educator and inspector, Yvonne LeMire earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northern Michigan University with a concentration in Sculpture and a secondary concentration in Human-Centered Design. LeMire served as a full-time Welding Instructor at NMU since 2000. LeMire’s artwork has been featured in exhibitions and commissions around the UP and beyond.

In addition to new works, the exhibition will feature a peek into the sketches of their former studio mate, Maggie Linn.

Museum Hours: 

• Monday - Wednesday: 12pm - 5pm 
• Thursday: 12pm - 8pm 
• Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 5pm 
• Sunday: Closed