Celebrates music from the Middle Ages to the classical era. Presents and sponsors period performances and community outreach activities. Members include concertgoers, serious amateurs, aspiring students, and professional performers. Dues $20, students $15, families $35. aspemboard@umich.edu, www.academyofearlymusic.org

American Guild of Organists

1671 E. Forest, Ypsilanti, 48198 [map]
483–3209

For professional and amateur organists, church musicians, choir directors, and aficionados of organ and choral music. Concerts, recitals, workshops, and lectures throughout the year. Dues $88; disabled, under age 21, and seniors age 65 & over $64; students $36; first-time organists $25 (includes subscription to The American Organist). jwagner@aacrc.org, www.annarborago.org

Ann Arbor Ballet Theater

CAS Ballet Theater School, 548 Church
662–2942

Anually performs The Nutcracker at the Power Center. Auditions in Sept.

Ann Arbor Ballet Workshop

Community School of Ballet, 617 East University, suite 222
996–8515

Creates new works for classical ballet. Performs locally once or twice a year. Open auditions twice a year. chiapuris@comcast.net, www.csballetannarbor.com

Ann Arbor Cantata Singers

P.O. Box 2574, AA 48106
996–8867

Chamber choir presents choral music from five centuries. Open to new members by audition. Dues $50 per half season. a2cantatasingers@yahoo.com, www.a2cantatasingers.org

Ann Arbor Civic Ballet

Sylvia Studio of Dance, 3900 Jackson, suite 6
668–8066

Performs several times a year and hosts Dance Michigan, a showcase of new works by Michigan choreographers and companies. Open auditions Sept. 25, 2008, for ages 12–adult. aacbboard2005@umich.edu, www.annarborcivicballet.com

Ann Arbor Civic Band

Bill Gourley, director, 429–5301

Community band performs Wed. in late June and in July at West Park, and at other events. New members welcome. billgourley@comcast.net

Ann Arbor Civic Chorus

994–2300, ext. 53203

Four-part chorus for experienced singers meets Sept.–Apr., Mon. nights. Varied repertoire. Concerts Dec. and Apr. Offered through the Ann Arbor Public Schools Department of Community Education & Recreation; $185 for residents of the Ann Arbor school district, $215 for nonresidents. For enrollment interview, contact Rebecca Vlisides, 429–7323. brzezinl@aaps.k12.mi.us

Ann Arbor Classical Guitar Society

Brian or Mary Lou Roberts, 769–5704

Master classes, workshops, recitals, and concerts. society@arborguitar.org, www.society.arborguitar.org

Ann Arbor Concert Band

P.O. Box 1843, AA 48106
434-7876

Symphonic wind ensemble performs marches and classic band literature in Sun. concerts at the Michigan Theater in Nov., Jan., Mar., & May. Auditions in Aug. Dues $30. contactus@ aaband.org, www.aaband.org

Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance

2269 Westaire Ct., AA 48103 [map]
665–7704

Dedicated to traditional music, dance, song, and related arts. Sponsors more than 200 events yearly, most with live music and dance, including contra, English country, morris, sword, swing, international, and folk. Dues $15, students & limited-income members $10, families $25. info@aactmad.org, www.aactmad.org

Ann Arbor Festival of Song

P. O. Box 7296, AA 48107

Concerts, recitals, and lectures devoted to art song and vocal chamber music by local and visiting professional and student singers. rodgersjane@sbcglobal.net, www.a2fos.org

Ann Arbor Grail Singers

662–0631

This 16-voice women’s choir performs in Michigan and Ohio. For concerts, see www.academyofearlymusic.org. Dues $25. For audition information, contact stephanie@teced.com.

Ann Arbor Morris Dancers

Greg Meisner, 747–8138

Traditional English dance group. Practice Sun. 6–8 p.m. at Gretchen’s House VII, 1580 Dhu Varren Rd. (Oct.–Apr.), and at Burton Tower on U-M campus (May–Sept.). Summer rain site is U-M Dental school portico. New members welcome. No dues. a2morris@umich.edu, www.hvcn.org/info/morris

Ann Arbor Pipes and Drums

Bill Kincaid, 973–1828

Teaches and presents traditional and contemporary bagpipe and drum music. Group or solo performances year round, with summer competitions at Highland festivals. whk925@comcast.net, www.a2pipesanddrums.org

Ann Arbor Recorder Society

412 Colin Circle, AA 48103 [map]
213–3172

A 30-member ensemble, under a professional music director, and various small consorts. Repertoire spans the Renaissance to the modern era. Beginning through advanced players of recorders and other early instruments welcome. Presents spring workshop and a June concert. Rehearsals Sept., second Mon., and Oct.–June, first Mon., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division. davidgriffiths@sbcglobal.net

Ann Arbor Sacred Harp

Pat Forsberg-Smith, 747–9644

Devoted to the practice of shape-note singing, a form of early American communal hymn singing. All voices and experience levels welcome. Meets at the Ark, 316 S. Main, Sept.–June, usually second Sun. 2–5 p.m. cawolfe@umich.edu

Ann Arbor Screenwriters Group

Discusses screen writing craft and business; critiques each other’s scripts. Second & fourth Wed. Email for more information. briansgate@hotmail.com, movies.groups. yahoo.com/group/aascreenwriters

Ann Arbor Society for Musical Arts

930–0353

Presents a series of six concerts in Fall and Spring on Wed. morning at the Ann Arbor City Club. Also sponsors Rosalie Edwards Youth Music competition and Collegiate Youth Artist competition annually. fischer709@comcast.net

Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild

Judy Schmidt, 971–5763, or Beverly Black, 665–4312

Produces Ann Arbor’s Tellabration in Nov. and the Nicola’s Spring Storytelling Festival. Shares stories at meetings Jan.–June & Sept.–Nov., fourth Sun. 2–4 p.m., Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson (Westgate). Visitors welcome. Dues $15. fransdotir@aol.com or bevblack@umich.edu, www.annarborstorytelling.org

Arbor Consort

P.O. Box 3302, AA 48106

Semiprofessional a cappella group performs Renaissance-era music in period costumes for fairs, weddings, libraries, and schools, as well as holiday caroling in Victorian costumes. New members accepted. thearborconsort@gmail.com, www.arbor-consort.org

Arts in Motion

2841 Boardwalk [map]
222–6246

Dance and music studio offers Community Drum Circle second Sun. 12:45–1:45 p.m. Also offers social dances first Fri. 7–9 p.m. Both open to all; fee $5. amanda@artsinmontion.net, www.artsinmotion.net

Brave New Works

2721 Maplewood, AA 48104 [map]
276–4906

Ensemble of string quartet, piano, flute, harp, clarinet, and voice performs contemporary classical music in two or three local concerts a year, as well as touring. info@bravenewworks.org, www.bravenewworks.org

Burns Park Players

2201 Brockman Blvd. [map]
741–1723

Neighborhood adult theater group incorporates the children, grades 1–5, of the Burns Park School area into its cast and crew for its annual Feb. musical production, a benefit for performing arts enrichment programs in the public schools. Dues $40 (includes a T-shirt and DVD of the show). www.burnsparkplayers.org

County Connection Chorus of Sweet Adelines

P.O. Box 970597, Ypsilanti 48197
480–8843

Fifty-member a cappella chorus for women. No formal audition; sight-reading ability not required. Rehearsals Tues. 7 p.m. at UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsilanti. Dues $25, women age 25 & under $11. chorus@countyconnectionchorus.org, www.countyconnectionchorus.org

Dance Ensemble of Michigan

220 S. Main [map]
995–1747

Hosts original ballet and jazz dance performances at the Power Center. Performs at retirement homes, hospitals, schools, and community centers. Call about fall auditions for dancers age 12 & over. www.demi-dance.org

Dance Gallery Studio

815 Wildt [map]
747–8885

Adult and children's classes in modern, ballet, jazz, yoga, and more. Workshops in other dance styles. molly@dancegalleryfoundation.org, www.dancegallerystudio.org

Dodworth Saxhorn Band

Mike Deren, 663–9634

Nineteenth-century period-instrument brass band. Performs year-round in the Midwest and Canada. Occasional open auditions. mike.deren@dodworth.org, www.dodworth.org

Drummunity Circle

Lori Fithian, 426–7818

Monthly drum circle. Open to the public. All ages and levels welcome. Also facilitates programs for schools, camps, festivals, retreats, and conferences. Meets at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, 114 S. Main. lorifithian@mac.com, www.drummunity.com

Friends of Four Hand Music

Joan Doman, 971–6261; Preston Plews, 485–5007

Members share piano duet and two-piano music for all skill levels. Listeners welcome. Meets Sept.–June, second Sun. 2 p.m.; May meeting on third Sun; call for location. Minimal, voluntary dues. aa4handpiano@yahoo.com

Grand Traditions Vintage Dance

Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd
JoAnn Keosaian, 769–0041

Teaches social dances of the Victorian, ragtime, and swing eras. Monthly (Sept.–Apr.) workshops at all levels, $10. Formal Victorian Holiday Ball, Dec. 13, 2008. Valentine’s Roaring Twenties Ball, Feb. 14, 2009. Informal monthly swing dance and workshop $7. Scholarships available. info@ vintagedance.com, www.vintagedance.com

Hundredth Monkey

P.O. Box 7172, AA 48107
995–2972

Performance ensemble blending dance and musical theater in original works that promote social, political, and spiritual awareness. Tours nationally. info@jesserichards.net, animalloversproject.org

Huron Valley Harmonizers

445–1925

Chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society meets weekly to sing. Its 40-member male chorus performs 1 or 2 concerts annually. New members welcome. Meets Tues. 7:30 p.m., Stony Creek United Methodist Church, 8635 Stony Creek. info@hvharmonizers.org, www.hvharmonizers.org

MSalsa: U–M Salsa Rueda Club

Lessons, dances, and dance-related fund-raisers to promote Rueda de Casino, a Cuban-style salsa. Mon. nights (during U-M fall and winter semesters), Michigan Union Ballroom, second floor. See website for details. www.umich.edu/~msalsa

Measure for Measure

P.O. Box 2938, AA 48106
649–7664

Men’s choral society of about 80 voices performs in Michigan and the Midwest 8–10 times a year. Auditions in Sept. and Jan. for men age 19 & over. Dues $150; first-year dues can be waived. lorenzs@slcs.us, www.measure4measure.org

Michigan A Cappella Council

An umbrella organization for U-M’s 14 a cappella groups. Groups perform throughout the year, in varying musical genres. All 14 groups perform at MACFest, Nov. 1, Rackham Auditorium. maccexec@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umsing

Michigan Argentine Tango Club

846–7196

Eight-week classes, beginners through intermediate. No partner or experience necessary. Discounts for members. See website for details. Dues $20, students $10. umtango@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umtango

Michigan Sinfonietta

431 Sommerset Ct., AA 48103 [map]
769–2988

Professional chamber orchestra performs for organizations throughout Michigan and many churches, and at some silent films at the Michigan Theater. greggshay@aol.com

National Society of Arts and Letters

875 Scio Church [map]
Doni Lystra, 663–5915

For artists and those who wish to assist young artists. Annual competitions in music, drama, literature, musical theater, dance, or visual art. This year’s competition is drama (comedy and tragedy for ages 19–32). dlystra@sbcglobal. net, www.arts-nsal.org/chaptermidmichigan.html

Out Loud Chorus

P.O. Box 7107, AA 48107
973–6084

Education, performances, and social outlet for those interested in choral music. Open to many ability levels; committed to embodying diversity in sexual preference and reducing bigotry. Meets mid-Sept.–mid-June, Mon. 7–9:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium. outloudchorus@gmail.com, www.aaoutloud.org

Papagena Opera Company

P.O. Box 2211, AA 48106
663–9831

Chamber opera company presents three fully costumed programs each year; open auditions. papagena13@aol.com

Peter Sparling Dance Company

Dance Gallery Studio, 815 Wildt
747–8885

Professional modern dance company performs locally and nationally. molly@dancegalleryfoundation.org, www.dancegalleryfoundation.org/sparling

Redbud Productions

1101 Ravenwood, AA 48103 [map]
663–7167

Produces several plays and staged readings each year featuring adults and high school students. Offers acting classes in the fall and spring for adults, high school, and middle school students. minkit@aol.com, www.redbudproductions.com

Ring of Steel Action Theater

Student Theater Arts Complex, 1201 Kipke.
Chris Barbeau, 320–1147

Training in theater and film stunt work. Hosts summer camps, demonstrations, workshops, and lectures. Performs at schools, fairs, and other events. Private and semiprivate classes for all ages. rosteel@umich.edu, www.ringofsteel.org

Sole Full of Rhythm

4569 Washtenaw [map]
Sara Randazzo, 477–9350

Professional tap dancers perform in various schools, clubs, concerts, festivals. Annual concert and workshops for all levels. solefullofrhythm@mac.com, www.solefullofrhythm.com

Swing Ann Arbor

Drop-in swing dance lessons Wed. at the Michigan Union Pendleton Room. Lessons 7:30 p.m. (intermediate Lindy hop) & 8:30 p.m. (beginner East Coast or Lindy hop, alternating biweekly). Open dancing 9:30 p.m. All welcome; no partner needed. Students $4, others $5. swingannarbor@ umich.edu, www.swingannarbor.org

Terpsichore’s Kitchen

116 W. Washington, loft B [map]
239–4172

For independent choreographers, dancers, and musicians. Call for audition information. Shows at Performance Network, 120 E. Huron, and elsewhere. info@movement-center.com

The Choral Connection

665–4573

Song and dance troupe performs musical revues of jazz standards, pop, and musical theater with comedy bits, costumes, and props. New members accepted. annebau@ hotmail.com, www.choralconnection.org

The Comic Opera Guild

P.O. Box 1922, AA 48106
973–3264

Local and touring company stages classical musical theater from Mozart to operettas to musical comedies. Open auditions. Records rare operettas. Also sponsors the Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition, open to singers not represented by an agent. constu@comcast.net, www.comicoperaguild.org

The Personae Theatre Ensemble

255–7998

Produces shows about national and international current affairs. www.thepersonaetheatreensemble.blogspot.com

The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale

1410 S. Zeeb, AA 48103 [map]
769–4437

Ensemble performs spirituals and the music of African American composers and arrangers. Rehearsals mid-Sept.–June, Tues. 7:30 p.m., Bethel AME Church, 900 John A. Woods. Call if interested in joining. Fee $35. www.ourownthingchorale.org

The Working Writers Group

Dale, 585–2191

Mutual support group for writers; circulates members’ work for critique and advice. Meets second & fourth Tues. 7 p.m., Borders Books & Music, 612 E. Liberty.

Tree Town Community Chorus

213–7670

This 25-member, mixed-voice choir performs all types of music in two yearly concerts. Open to new members, preferably in Sept. No auditions. Meets Sept.–May. Dues $100 (persemester). perample@mac.com

Troupe Habibat al-Fen

400 W. Washington (YMCA) [map]
Grace Lehman, 661–8034

Middle Eastern dance ensemble performs locally for community and educational events. Level I & II classes Mon. 7:30– 9 p.m.; advanced classes Tues. 7:15–9:15 p.m. Special workshops also offered. www.annarborymca.org

U-M Ballroom Dance Club

Michigan Union Ballroom or Michigan League [map]
763–6984

Weekly ballroom dance lessons followed by open dancing. No partner necessary. All skill levels welcome. Annual competition. Meets most Sun. Dues $50, students $20, U-M affiliates $40. ballroom@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umbdc

U-M Gilbert & Sullivan Society

Michigan League, 911 North University [map]
Tickets: 764–2538

University and community members perform the works of the renowned musical team in fall and spring shows at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Meeting for prospective members Sept. 14, 2008. umgassexec@umich.edu, www.umgass.org

University Musical Society Choral Union

881 North University [map]
763–8997

Chorus of 175 voices performs locally, including Handel’s Messiah in Dec., and with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Auditions in spring and fall. choralunion@umich.edu, www.ums.org/s_choral_union

Vocal Arts Ensemble

1117 Granger, AA 48104 [map]
741–7451

Chamber choir of 24 singers performs a cappella and accompanied works of various styles, from Renaissance to contemporary. Four concerts a year, one with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. This season includes a commissioned premiere by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer William Bolcom. Call or email for audition. bcohen@greenhillsschool.org http://vaeannarbor.org

Women's Chamber Chorus

213–7670

Performs a variety of music from classical to folk to pop. No auditions. Rehearses Sept.–May (except Labor Day), Mon. 10–11:45 a.m., West Side United Methodist Church, 900 S. Seventh. Dues $100 (per semester). perample@mac.com

Ypsilanti Community Band

P.O. Box 970047, Ypsilanti 48197

Volunteer ensemble performs concert band music in free concerts in Oct., Dec., Mar., and May at Washtenaw Community College and outdoors during the summer in the Ypsilanti area. No auditions. Dues $20 per semester. ypsicommband@gmail.com, www.ypsicommband.com

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