3 minute read
Monthly Music Highlights
Please consult your CareMerge calendars and weekly announcements for specific dates and times. All programming subject to change based on COVID-related recommendations to maintain health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
THE HANDBELL ENSEMBLE OF ROYAL OAK
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The Handbell Ensemble of Royal Oak (H.E.R.O.) was established in 1988 through the Recreation Department of the City of Royal Oak. H.E.R.O. is an active participant of Handbell Musicians of America events both locally and nationally. They perform a variety of secular and sacred music published for modern Handbell ensembles. The ensemble - including 12 musicians and a director - rings four and a half octaves of Schulmerich Handbells with occasional use of Hand Chimes, Percussion and other instruments.
BRANDON REEVES
From Cole Porter and Scott Joplin to Fats Domino and Elvis Presley, Brandon “Steely Bran” Reeves’ love and enthusiasm for American music is all-encompassing. Based in the styles of the great early to mid-20th century jazz pianists, Brandon’s catalogue spans everything from swing, the great American songbook, New Orleans hits, and classic rhythm and blues, to old-time county and Gospel music. In addition, Brandon is fiercely committed to educating young musicians and writing poetry and music.
SCOTT GWINNELL
Scott Gwinnell is a professional jazz pianist residing in Detroit, MI. Scott has been performing since the age of 16, and has recorded and performed as a bandleader and sideman on over 40 professionally released recordings. As a recording artist for Detroit Music Factory, Scott has released two award-winning albums, winning three Detroit Music Awards for outstanding recording, artist, and composer. As a pianist, Gwinnell has performed/toured/ recorded with: Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, John Clayton, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Aretha Franklin, Elaine Stritch, Delfayeo Marsalis, and Jon Hendricks, for whom Gwinnell was three year musical director. As a music educator, Gwinnell is a special lecturer at Oakland University where he instructs jazz theory, improvisation, and arranging. He is the director of their jazz vocal groups, and performs in the faculty jazz ensemble.
Scott Gwinnell has written over 400 works for symphony orchestras to big bands to small ensembles. Gwinnell has scored two films, the most recent being "Vincent van Gogh--70 Days in Laois." In 2009, Scott partnered with jazz composer John Clayton to write “T.H.E. Detroit.” Performed by the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra, 3-movement opus was the closing act of the 2009 Detroit Jazz Festival.
DENISE DAVIS AND THE MOTOR CITY SENSATIONS
This band has been rocking around town since 2010, performing at festivals, opening for national acts and headlining Detroit clubs. Denise has also performed with the Original Motown Funk Brothers and has received nominations for her singing by The Detroit Music Awards Foundation and The Detroit Black Music Awards. She is known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. Members of the Detroit Blues Society, the group has won a Detroit Black Music Award for Best Live Performance and R&B Artist of the Year.
KELLY AND DARRYL ROENICKE - VIOLIN AND PIANO DUO
Kelly Roenicke is an active teacher and performer in Detroit’s metropolitan area. Her résumé includes previous performances with the following artists: Richard Marx, Anne Murray, Celtic Thunder, Il Divo, Mannheim Steamroller, Amy Grant, and Regis Philbin. She is a longtime member of the Terra Voce Ensemble, which performs multiple chamber music concerts throughout the year. She received a M.M., Violin Performance, from University of Cincinnati, and a B.M., Violin Performance, Western Michigan University. Darryl Roenicke received his M.M., Jazz Studies, from Indiana University, and a B.M., Jazz Studies, Western Michigan University. He has appeared as part of the Terrace Room and Dining Room Bands at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. He has been the keyboardist for productions of Meshuggah Nuns, Beauty and the Beast, White Christmas and Little House on the Prairie.
MIDNIGHT MUSIC
A new Life Enrichment program, “Midnight Music” is an ongoing partnership with All Seasons and Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance. For an hour following dinner, when no other activities are booked, advanced piano students will stop by to build their performance experience, practice for competitions, and fill our halls with music. Whether you can stay for an hour or just want to pop in for 10 minutes, we encourage you to say hello.
