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.
Past Events
Oberlin Improv Fest: Panel Discussion with Guest Artists and Faculty
Thursday, March 2, 2023
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space
La Tanya Hall , associate professor of jazz voice, moderates a discussion about improvised music and improvisation in the creative process. Panelists include: Nicole Mitchell, Kojiro Umezaki, Aurora...
Oberlin Improv Fest: Guest Master Class with Luis Perdomo
Thursday, March 2, 2023
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Clonick Hall
A guest master class with Luis Perdomo , pianist/composer/bandleader, in Clonick Hall in the Kohl Building. “A rather amazing improviser, the pianist is making a name for himself by feverishly...
Oberlin Improv Fest: Kojiro Umezaki Presentation
Thursday, March 2, 2023
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space
Kojiro Umezaki presents his work featuring global and hybrid practices in acoustic and electronic music. Noted by The New York Times as a "virtuosic, deeply expressive shakuhachi player and...
Oberlin Improv Fest: Afrofuturism Presentation by Nicole Mitchell
Thursday, March 2, 2023
7:00 pm to 8:15 pm
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 and Kojiro Umezaki Concert
Thursday, March 2, 2023
8:30 pm
Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space
Webcast Available
Watch the webcast – streamed live at concert time. A guest recital featuring Aurora Nealand '01 and Kojiro Umezaki in The Birenbaum. Program: Selections from The Monocle Aurora Nealand...
Oberlin Improv Fest: Jazz Forum
Friday, March 3, 2023
12:00 pm
Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse
A weekly occurance every Friday at Noon, Oberlin's Jazz Forum is a platform for student ensembles in the Jazz Studies program to perform in a musical forum at the Cat in the Cream. Performances...
Oberlin Improv Fest: Aurora Nealand '01 Songwriting Workshop
Friday, March 3, 2023
3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
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: Nicole Mitchell Concert
Friday, March 3, 2023
8:00 pm
Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space
Webcast Available
Watch the webcast – streamed live at concert time. A guest recital with Nicole Mitchell in The Birenbaum. Conservatory students and faculty will be joining Nicole Mitchell on stage. Program:...
Oberlin Improv Fest: Workshop with Christa Rakich '75
Saturday, March 4, 2023
10:30 am to 12:30 pm
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
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
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...
Oberlin Improv Fest: Student Showcase Concert
Saturday, March 4, 2023
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Wilder Hall (Student Union)
The Oberlin Improv Fest 2023 (OIF23) is a 3-day celebration of improvised music featuring a panel discussion, workshops, presentations, and performances. In this Student Showcase concert, we...
Oberlin Improv Fest: PI Ensemble Concert with Luis Perdomo, piano/composer
Saturday, March 4, 2023
7:30 pm
Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse
Webcast Available
Watch the webcast – streamed live at concert time. Luis Perdomo, piano/composer performs in collaboration with Oberlin student Performance & Improvisation ensembles, live from the Cat in...
