City Guide
Creative Arts
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, lectures. Dues $92; disabled, under age 21, and seniors age 65 & over $67; students $37; first-time organists $25 (includes subscription to monthly publication, The American Organist). jwagner@aacrc.org, annarborago.org
Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3139, AA 48106665-5346
Continuing education for piano teachers. Lectures, performances, seminars, and performance opportunities. Referral service for prospective students. Financial aid available. aapianoteachers@gmail.com, aaaptg.googlepages.com
Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre
CAS Ballet Theatre School, 548 Church [map]668-1001
Performs The Nutcracker at the Power Center every Dec. Auditions in Sept. aabt.cas@gmail.com, annarborballettheater.org
Ann Arbor Ballet Workshop
Community School of Ballet, 617 East University, suite 222 [map]996-8515
Creates new works for classical ballet. Performs locally once or twice a year. Open auditions twice a year. chiapuris@comcast.net, csballetannarbor.com
Ann Arbor Cantata Singers
P.O. Box 2574, AA 48106996-8867
Chamber choir presents choral music from 6 centuries. Open to new members by audition. See website for dues. info@a2cantatasingers.org, a2cantatasingers.org
Ann Arbor Civic Ballet
Sylvia Studio of Dance, 3900 Jackson, suite 6 [map]668-8066
Performs several times a year. Hosts Dance Michigan, a showcase of new works by Michigan choreographers and companies. Open auditions Sept. 22, 2011, for ages 12-adult. info@sylviastudio.com, annarborcivicballet.com
Ann Arbor Civic Chorus
994-2300, ext. 53203
Four-part chorus for adult singers with some choral experience meets Sept.-Apr., Mon. nights. Varied repertoire. Concerts Dec. and Apr. Offered through the Ann Arbor Public Schools Department of Community Education & Recreation; $109 per semester. Open to all. For enrollment information contact brzezinl@aaps.k12.mi.us
Ann Arbor Classical Guitar Society
Brian or Mary Lou Roberts, 330-2026
Master classes, workshops, recitals, and concerts. society@arborguitar.org, society.arborguitar.org
Ann Arbor Community of 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, aactmad.org
Ann Arbor Festival of Song
P. O. Box 7296, AA 48107Concerts, recitals, and lectures devoted to art song and vocal chamber music by local and visiting professional and student singers. rodgersjane@sbcglobal.net, a2fos.org
Ann Arbor Grail Singers
2 Jay Lee Ct. [map]662-0631
This 16-voice women’s choir performs Renaissance, Medieval, and Baroque music in Michigan and Ohio. Dues $25. For concerts, see calendar at academyofearlymusic.org. For audition information, contact stephanie@teced.com
Ann Arbor Morris
Louis Moga, (920) 562-7720
Traditional English dance group. Practice Sun. 6-8 p.m. at Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse (Oct.-Apr.), and at Burton Tower on U-M campus (May-Sept.; rain site U-M Dental school portico). New members welcome. No dues. a2morris@umich.edu, annarbormorris.org
Ann Arbor Recorder Society
274-9463
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., 2nd Mon., and Oct.-June, 1st Mon., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division. Dues $35. sindikeesan@fastmail.fm, a2recordersociety.org
Ann Arbor Sacred Harp
Pat Forsberg-Smith, 678-7549
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 2nd Sun. 2-5 p.m. cawolfe@umich.edu
Ann Arbor Screenwriters Group
Discusses screen writing craft and business; critiques members' scripts; provides resources. Usually meets 1st and 3rd Wed., 7-9 p.m., various locations. briansgate@hotmail.com, movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/aascreenwriters
Ann Arbor Society for Musical Arts
930-0353
Presents 6 concerts in Fall and Spring Wed. mornings at the Ann Arbor City Club. Also sponsors Rosalie Edwards Youth Music competition and Collegiate Youth Artist competition annually. fischer709@comcast.net, annarborsma.org
Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild
Judy Schmidt, 971-5763, or Beverly Black, 665-4312
Produces Howell Scary Story Festival in Oct. and Ann Arbor's Tellabration in Nov. Shares stories at meetings Jan.-June & Sept.-Nov., 4th Sun. 2-4 p.m., Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson (Westgate). Visitors welcome. Dues $15. fransdotir@aol.com or bevblack@umich.edu, annarborstorytelling.org
Arbor Consort
P.O. Box 3302, AA 48106Semiprofessional a cappella group performs Renaissance- and Victorian- era music in period costumes for festivals, weddings, private parties, libraries, and schools. Auditions for Renaissance season: Jan.-Apr.; Victorian/holiday season: late Sept.-early Oct. thearborconsort@gmail.com, arborconsort.org
Arts in Motion
2841 Boardwalk [map]222-6246
Dance/music studio offers Student Dance Company for ages 8 & up, Sept.-June, Sun. 2-4 p.m. $56/month. amanda@artsinmotion.net, artsinmotion.net
Brave New Works
2721 Maplewood, AA 48104 [map]276-4906
Ensemble of string quartet, piano, flute, harp, clarinet, and voice tours and performs contemporary classical music in 2 or 3 local concerts a year. bravenewworks@comcast.net, 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 for its annual Feb. musical production, a benefit for performing arts enrichment programs in the public schools. See website for dues. herbandsara@sbcglobal.net, burnsparkplayers.org
The Choral Connection
665-4573
Eighteen-member song and dance troupe and smaller ensemble, Etcetera, perform musical revues of jazz standards, pop, and musical theater with stylized staging, comedy bits, costumes, and props. Email for audition information. annebau@hotmail.com, choralconnection.org
The Comic Opera Guild
P.O. Box 1922, AA 48106973-3264
Local and touring company stages classical musical theater from Mozart to operettas to musical comedies. Open auditions. Records rare operettas. Also sponsors Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition, open to singers not represented by an agent. constu@comcast.net, comicoperaguild.org
Dance Ensemble of Michigan (DEMI)
1238 Ferdon [map]995-2562
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. demidirectors@gmail.com, demi-dance.org
Dodworth Saxhorn Band
Mike Deren, 663-9634
Nineteenth-century period-instrument brass band. Performs year-round in the East, Midwest, South and Canada. Occasional open auditions. mike.deren@dodworth.org, dodworth.org
Drummunity!
Lori Fithian, 426-7818
Monthly drum circles open to all ages and levels. Offers additional programs to schools, camps, festivals, retreats, and conferences. Meets 7-9 p.m. at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, 114 S. Main; see website for dates. lorifithian@mac.com, drummunity.com
Huron Valley Harmonizers
445-1925
Chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society meets weekly to sing. Its 25-member male chorus performs 1 or 2 concerts annually. All ages welcome. Meets Tues. 7:30 p.m., Stony Creek United Methodist Church, 8635 Stony Creek. info@hvharmonizers.org, hvharmonizers.org
MSalsa: U-M Salsa Rueda Club
Lessons, dances, and dance-related fund-raisers to promote Rueda de Casino, a Cuban-style salsa dance. Mon. nights (during U-M fall and winter semesters), Michigan Union, 530 S. State. Membership $40, $5/lesson for nonmembers. See website for details. msalsastaff@umich.edu, umich.edu/~msalsa
Measure for Measure
P.O. Box 2938, AA 48106649-7664
Men’s choral society of about 75 voices performs in Michigan and the Midwest 8-10 times a year. Rehearses Sun. night. Open to new members by audition Jan. & Sept. stevenr.lorenzs@gmail.com, measure4measure.org
Michigan Argentine Tango Club
Eight-week lessons and practice sessions, beginners through intermediate. No partner or experience necessary. Meets Wed. 8-11:30 p.m., Angell Hall basement, 435 S. State. Dues $30, students $20. Discounts on classes for members. See website for details. umtango@umich.edu, umich.edu/~umtango
Michigan Sinfonietta
431 Sommerset Ct., AA 48103 [map]769-2988
Professional chamber orchestra performs for organizations and churches throughout Michigan, at some silent films at the Michigan Theater, and at the Ann Arbor Ballet Theater. greggshay@aol.com
National Society of Arts and Letters
875 Scio Church [map]Doni Lystra, 663-5915
For artists and those who want to help young artists. Annual competitions in music, drama, literature, musical theater, dance, or visual art. This year’s competition is musical theatre (ages 18-33). dlystra@sbcglobal.net, arts-nsal.org/chaptermidmichigan.html
Out Loud Chorus
P.O. Box 7107, AA 48107265-0740
Educational, performance, and social group. Based in LGBT community, but open to all; many ability levels welcome. Meets mid-Sept.-mid-June, Mon. 7-9:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium. outloudchorus@gmail.com, olconline.org
Papagena Opera Company
P.O. Box 2211, AA 48106663-9831
Chamber opera company presents 3 fully costumed programs each year; open auditions. papagena13@aol.com
Rec & Ed (Ann Arbor Public Schools Community Education and Recreation)
1515 S. Seventh [map]994-2300
Many classes in dance, music, drama, singing, and writing. See quarterly brochure online for fees and classes. aareced.com S
Redbud Productions
1101 Ravenwood, AA 48103 [map]663-7167
For adults and high school students. Acting classes in the fall and spring, several plays and staged readings each year. minkit@aol.com, redbudproductions.com
Ring of Steel Action Theater
Student Theater Arts Complex, 1201 Kipke. [map]Chris Barbeau, 320-1147
Swordplay, fencing, and stunt classes for all ages. Training in theater and film stunt work. Hosts summer camps, demonstrations, workshops, and lectures. Performs at schools, fairs, and other events. Provides choreography, direction, and props. info@ringofsteel.org, ringofsteel.org
Sole Full of Rhythm
4569 Washtenaw [map]Sara Randazzo, 477-9350
Professional tap dancers and student company perform in various schools, clubs, concerts, festivals. Workshops for all levels; annual concert. solefullofrhythm@mac.com, www.solefullofrhythm.com
Swing Ann Arbor
Swing dance lessons Wed. at the Michigan Union Pendleton Room, 530 S. State. Drop-in beginner lessons 8 p.m.; open dancing 9 p.m. All welcome; no partner needed. Students $4, others $5. swingannarbor@umich.edu, swingannarbor.org
The Quality
Louis Moga, (920) 562-7720
Traditional English dance group performs the Molly dance. Meets year round on 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mon., 8-10 p.m. Call for meeting place. No dues. thequalitya2@gmail.com, thequality.org
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 p.m., Bethel AME Church, 900 John A. Woods. Call about joining. Dues $60, students $25. deltajanet@aol.com, ourownthingchorale.org
Thurston Community Players
Thurston Elementary, 2300 Prairie [map]Neighborhood adult theater group incorporates Thurston students in grades K-5 as well as neighborhood middle and high schoolers. Players write their own scripts and music. Annual production last weekend of March at Clague Middle School, 2616 Nixon. No annual dues; members pay for costumes. thurstonplayers@gmail.com
Tree Town Community Chorus
355-7738
Mixed-voice, 25-member choir performs all types of music in 2 yearly concerts. Open to new members, preferably in Sept. No auditions. Meets Sept.-May. Dues $125 (per semester). 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. 7:30-8:45 p.m.; Level III & IV classes Tues. 7:30-9:15 p.m. Special workshops also offered. annarborymca.org
U-M Ballroom Dance Club
Michigan Union Ballroom or Michigan League [map]Weekly ballroom dance lessons followed by open dancing. No partner necessary. All skill levels welcome. Annual competition. Meets most Sun. Dues $60, students $30, U-M affiliates $50. ballroom@umich.edu, ballroomclubum.com
U-M Gilbert & Sullivan Society
Michigan League, 911 North University [map]Information: 647-8436
University and community members perform the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Upcoming performances include Princess Ida, Dec. 1-4, 2011 and H.M.S. Pinafore, March 29-Apr.1, 2012. See website for audition information. umgassexec@umich.edu, 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, ums.org/s_choral_union
Vocal Arts Ensemble of Ann Arbor
741-7451
Chamber choir of 24 singers performs, a cappella and accompanied, works of various styles, from Renaissance to contemporary. Four programs a year, including a dinner cabaret; frequently collaborates with other professional dance and instrumental ensembles; often commissions new works. Call or email for audition. bcohen@greenhillsschool.org, vocalartsannarbor.org
Voices in Harmony Chorus
612-7580
Seventy-member women's a cappella barbershop chorus. All ages and skill levels welcome, no formal auditions. Meets Tues., 7-9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898 Hall, 8975 Textile, Ypsilanti. Free to visitors ($26 monthly dues for those who join). singwithus.org
Washtenaw Community Concert Band (formerly Ypsilanti Community Band)
P.O. Box 970047, Ypsilanti 48197Volunteer ensemble performs concert band music in free concerts throughout the year at Washtenaw Community College, Pease Auditorium at Eastern Michigan University, and outdoors during the summer Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Rehearsals year-round, Tues. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Whitmore Lake High School, 7430 Whitmore Lake Rd. No auditions. Dues $20 per semester. ypsicommband@gmail.com, wccband.org
Women's Chamber Chorus
355-7738
Performs intermediate to advanced music from classical to folk to pop. No auditions. Rehearses Sept.-May (except Labor Day), Mon. 10-11:30 a.m., West Side United Methodist Church, 900 S. Seventh. Dues $120 (per semester). perample@mac.com
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. patlaborvi@yahoo.com
