Oakton seeks pianists to audition for Six Piano Ensemble

Are you a pianist seeking a new musical adventure or a community of fellow musicians? Don't be afraid to take a leap and audition for the Oakton Six Piano Ensemble Sept. 19-21 at the Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, or online. Alternative audition dates are available.

"We are a unique piano group," said Glenna Sprague, Ensemble conductor and Oakton professor and coordinator of music. "Performing with a conductor, the rich, layered sound of the Ensemble is comparable to that of an orchestra, with each member playing a different part of a composition as the melody transfers from pianist to pianist. This provides a unique experience for the performers and audience members."

Founded by Sprague, the Oakton Six Piano Ensemble has performed for sold-out audiences for more than 25 years. Widely acknowledged as one of the unique musical groups in the world, critics have called the Ensemble "innovative" and "technically superb."

The group has performed at the International Society for Music Education World Conference at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; the International Conference of the College Music Society in Vienna, Austria; the Hawaii Music Teachers Association in Honolulu, Hawaii; Chicago Civic Opera House and Navy Pier; and Music Teachers National Association's national and state conferences.

The practice schedule will be tailored to the pianists' schedule. The Ensemble will perform at Oakton in the spring of 2024. The program will consist of classical, ragtime, jazz and popular music, and symphonic repertoire transcribed for the six pianos.

You don't have to live in Oakton's district to participate in the Ensemble. Prepare your favorite piece and schedule an audition, or inquire about alternative in-person or online audition dates by contacting Sprague at (847) 635-1905 or gsprague@oakton.edu.

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