Event Series

Oberlin Improv Fest 2023

The Oberlin Improv Fest 2023 is a three-day celebration of improvised music encompassing workshops, presentations, and performances that showcase exciting performances with AI-based interactive and immersive sound, group improvisation, jazz, and students in Oberlin's Performance and Improvisation program. 

Guest artists include Nicole Mitchell, Kojiro Umezaki, Aurora Nealand '01, and Luis Perdomo. Student performers include ensembles from Jazz Forum, OCTaiko, Creative Music Lab, Silent Film Ensemble, and Oberlin Percussion Group.

Organized with support from TIMARA, Conservatory Deans Office, Conservatory Professional Development, and the Alumni in Service to Oberlin College (ASOC) Fund.

Oberlin Improv Fest #OIF23 (colorful splashes of paint mix with multicolored beams of light).

Past Events

Oberlin Improv Fest: Afrofuturism Presentation by Nicole Mitchell

Thursday, March 2, 2023
7:00 pm to 8:15 pm EST
David H. Stull Recital Hall
Nicole M. Mitchell is an award-winning creative flutist, composer, bandleader and educator. She is perhaps best known for her work as a flutist, having developed a unique improvisational language and...

Oberlin Improv Fest: Aurora Nealand '01 Songwriting Workshop

Friday, March 3, 2023
3:30 pm to 5:30 pm EST
David H. Stull Recital Hall
Open to current Oberlin students. Students who would like to perform for this workshop are invited to pre-register here . ==== The Oberlin Improv Fest 2023 (OIF23) is a 3-day celebration of...

Oberlin Improv Fest: Workshop with Christa Rakich '75

Saturday, March 4, 2023
10:30 am to 12:30 pm EST
Finney Chapel
Christa Rakich '75 , visiting professor of organ, leads a workshop on keyboard improvisation titled, "How To Sound Like Messiaen". Participants will learn fundamentals of organ...

Oberlin Improv Fest: Improvisation Minor Info Session

Saturday, March 4, 2023
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm EST
Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space
This Info Session is a chance for students to learn more about Oberlin Conservatory's new Improvisation Minor that launched in the Fall. The Improvisation Minor draws upon several departments...

Oberlin Improv Fest: Soundpainting Workshop

Saturday, March 4, 2023
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm EST
Conservatory Central Unit
Soundpainting is the universal multidisciplinary live composing sign language for musicians, actors, dancers, and visual artists, developed by Walter Thompson. Join Drew Pattison '10 , assistant...