For three days in November, the DePaul School of Music opens its doors to prospective students as well as the community, presenting a series of performances and workshops designed to raise public awareness of the institution’s many offerings. The Music at DePaul (MAD) Festival begins with a Singer’s Workshop on Friday morning, Nov. 11, and closes on Sunday evening, Nov. 13, with a concert presented by the DePaul Percussion Ensemble.

Sandwiched between these two events is a diverse array of activities highlighting voice, string, piano, wind, percussion and jazz programs offered by the highly respected School of Music. The events include a master class and colloquium on the Beethoven Piano Sonatas; a panel discussion on careers in music; a jazz reception; as well as various concerts and recitals presented by student choral groups, faculty members and the DePaul Symphony Orchestra, DePaul Wind Symphony and DePaul Wind Ensemble. All events are free of charge, although the workshops require prior registration to participate.

In planning the MAD Festival, head organizer Donald DeRoche, director of bands and chair of the performance studies department, said DePaul aims to “showcase the high quality of the programs and performances that the School of Music offers to prospective students and the community.”

DePaul’s School of Music has evolved into a music education institution of the highest rank. An outstanding faculty roster of music professionals and an increasingly competitive student body attest to this transformation.

Presenting more than 300 public performances annually—most of them free—the DePaul School of Music offers its students a venue for their blossoming artistry and provides the school with an opportunity to raise public awareness of its many activities.

MAD Festival performances and workshops include:

Nov. 11, 9 a.m.: DePaul School of Music Singer’s Workshop, DePaul School of Music, 804 W. Belden Ave. A comprehensive, day-long workshop featuring clinics and master classes geared toward prospective students, led by voice faculty members that include Susanne Mentzer, internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano. Participants and faculty will present a 6 p.m. recital that is open to the public. There is no charge to participate, however, an application is required by Oct. 20. For additional information, e-mail Mentzer at smentzer@depaul.edu.

Nov. 11, 8 p.m.: DePaul Wind Symphony, Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden Ave. Rodney Dorsey conducts a program of “Festive Music” by Frigyes Hidas, “Buzzing Polka” by Laszlo Dubrovay, “Vampire Overture” by Armin Suppan and “Colonial Song” by Percy Grainger.

Nov. 12, noon: Beethoven Piano Sonata Masterclass & Colloquium, School of Music Recital Hall, 804 W. Belden Ave. Workshop presented by the DePaul AmerKlavier Studio, led by artistic director and pianist Eteri Andjaparidze. Participants should register by contacting the AmerKlavier Studio at the School of Music: 773/325-7260.

Nov. 12, 8 p.m.: DePaul Symphony Orchestra, Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden Ave. Alan Heatherington, visiting conductor, leads a program of “Tzigane” by Ravel and Symphony No. 5 by Prokofiev, featuring violinist Andrea Oh.

Nov. 13, 1 p.m.: Careers in Music Panel Discussion, School of Music Recital Hall, 804 W. Belden Ave. Panelists include Cliff Colnot, composer and conductor of the DePaul Symphony Orchestra, MusicNOW and Civic Orchestra of Chicago; Holly Hudak, executive director, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra; Andrew Patner, noted Chicago arts critic; and Matias Tarnopolsky, senior director of programming, Artistic Planning, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Donald Casey, dean, DePaul School of Music will moderate.

Nov. 13, 2 p.m.: DePaul Jazz Combos Performance & Reception, School of Music Student Lounge, 804 W. Belden Ave.

Nov 13, 3 p.m.: DePaul Wind Ensemble, DePaul Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden Ave. Donald DeRoche conducts a program of “Octet” by Igor Stravinsky, “Mutations from Bach” by Samuel Barber and “The Winds of Nagual” by Michael Colgrass.

Nov. 13, 6 p.m.: DePaul Percussion Ensemble Concert, DePaul Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden Ave.

For more information about DePaul’s School of Music, call 773/325-7260 or visit music.depaul.edu.