Department of Music - NMU Events and Announcements

Department of Music

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.

Department of Music

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!

Department of Music

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!

Department of Music

Don't miss the final Summer Concert at Reynolds!  Enjoy exceptional music performed by Department of Music faculty members Theresa Camilli, Keri Lee Pierson, and Stephanie Beinlich.

Department of Music

We invite you to another Summer Concert at Reynolds, featuring an exciting performance by Department of Music Adjunct Instructor Patrick Booth and Vocal Instructor Keri Lee Pierson.

Department of Music

Summer Concerts at Reynolds continue with classical guitarist Christopher Schoelen!  Join us for what is sure to be a wonderful recital.  

Department of Music

Please join us for the next Summer Concert at Reynolds!  Patrick Booth, Adjunct Contingent Instructor for the Department of Music, will premiere a special piece that you won't want to miss.  

Department of Music

The Summer Concerts at Reynolds series highlights the highly trained professional musicians and full-time teachers of the Department of Music.  The July 14 performance features Barbara Rhyneer and other amazing community musicians!

Department of Music

The opening event in the Summer Concerts at Reynolds series features Mark Flaherty, Steve Riley, Steve Grugin, Christopher Schoelen, Gordon Erickson, and Jim Strain.  

This program will feature classic traditional jazz repertoire as recorded by some of the most important early jazz ensembles, including The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, The New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers, and Louis Armstrong’s Hot 5. In between selections, Dr. Mark Flaherty will explain the origins jazz, describe the basic characteristics of this music, and discuss the pioneering artists who shaped this great American art form.

Department of Music

NMU Piano students will share their favorite pieces as you head into Finals Week.  Catch a piece or two, or stay for the entirety!