Jazz band OCC performs in Farmington Hills

The OCC Jazz Band, under the direction of Tom Dennis, will perform on Thursday, December 5, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Smith Theater on the Orchard Ridge campus in Farmington Hills.

The 20-piece swing group consists of a singer and a singer, and includes OCC music students and members of the community.

“The community jazz group performs hits from the 1930s and 1940s to contemporary pieces like Michael Bublé,” said Dennis, who also heads the college’s music program. “The concert will be entertaining and fun, and provides a great way to unwind before the peak holiday season.”

OCC music students perform in orchestral, jazz, concert, small ensemble or choir concerts throughout the year and participate in festivals, showcases and competitions.

“The OCC music program is a unique combination of degree courses and enrichment programs,” said Dennis. “It provides a creative outlet for community members and an educational pathway for students interested in pursuing a career in music. Musicians meet in classrooms and frequently form small ensembles and groups that perform in venues throughout the community.

Students can earn an associate of arts degree with a concertation in music. The program’s courses include theory, history, piano, conducting, composition, lessons and performance. Through an articulation agreement, the associate’s degree from the OCC counts for 50 percent of a four-year degree at the WSU.

“The OCC program provides students with a cost-effective way to learn, perform and pursue their passion in a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive environment,” said Dennis.

The Orchard Ridge campus is located at 27055 Orchard Lake Road. For more information, visit https://oaklandcc.edu/programs/mus/default.aspx.