City Guide
Celebrates music from the Middle Ages to the classical era. Presents a concert series of period performances and sponsors community outreach events. Members include concertgoers, serious amateurs, aspiring students, and professional performers. Dues $25, students $15, families $40. aspemboard@umich.edu, www.academyofearlymusic.org
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 $92; disabled, under age 21, and seniors age 65 & over $67; students $37; first-time organists $25 (includes subscription to The American Organist). jwagner@aacrc.org, www.annarborago.org
Continuing education for piano teachers. Lectures, seminars, performance opportunities, and discussions. Offers prospective students referral service. Financial aid available. a2aptg@gmail.com, aaaptg.googlepages.com
Annually performs The Nutcracker at the Power Center in Dec. Auditions in Sept. aabt.cas@gmail.com, www.annarborballettheater.org
Creates new works for classical ballet. Performs locally once or twice a year. Open auditions twice a year. chiapuris@comcast.net, www.csballetannarbor.com
Chamber choir presents choral music from five centuries. Open to new members by audition. Check website for dues and fees information. info@a2cantatasingers.org, www.a2cantatasingers.org
Performs several times a year and hosts Dance Michigan, a showcase of new works by Michigan choreographers and companies. Open auditions Sept. 24, 2009, for ages 12-adult. aacbboard@googlegroups.com, www.annarborcivicballet.com
Community band performs Wed. in late June and in July at West Park, and at other events. New members welcome. billgourley@comcast.net
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
Masterclasses, workshops, recitals, and concerts. society@arborguitar.org, www.society.arborguitar.org
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
Symphonic wind ensemble performs marches and classic band literature in Sun. concerts at the Michigan Theater in Nov., Jan., & May and at the Hill Auditorium in Mar. Auditions in Aug. Dues $30. contactus@aaband.org, www.aaband.org
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
This 16-voice women’s choir performs Renaissance, Medieval, and Baroque music in Michigan and Ohio. Dues $25. For concerts, see www.academyofearlymusic.org. For audition information, contact stephanie@teced.com.
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.annarbormorris.org
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
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. cymru3249@gmail.com, www.a2recordersociety.org
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
Discusses screen writing craft and business; critiques each other’s scripts; provides screenwriting resources. Second & fourth Wed. Email for more information. briansgate@hotmail.com, movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/aascreenwriters
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
Produces Ann Arbor’s Tellabration in Nov. and Howell Scary Story Festival in Oct. Shares stories at meetings Jan.-June & Sept.-Nov., fourth Sun. 2-4 p.m., Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson (Westgate) and second Sun. 2-4 p.m., Bombadill's Cafe, 217 W. Michigan, Ypsilanti. Visitors welcome. Dues $15. fransdotir@aol.com or bevblack@umich.edu, www.annarborstorytelling.org
Semiprofessional a cappella group performs Renaissance- and Victorian- era music in period costumes for festivals, weddings, private parties, libraries, and schools. New members accepted. thearborconsort@gmail.com, www.arbor-consort.org
Dance and music studio offers Student Dance Company, Sept.-June, Sun. 2-4 p.m., no fee. Also offers social dances first Fri. 7-9 p.m., $5 fee. Both open to all. amanda@artsinmotion.net, www.artsinmotion.net
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. bravenewworks@comcast.net, www.bravenewworks.org
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. For dues information, visit website. herbandsara@sbcglobal.net, www.burnsparkplayers.org
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
Nineteenth-century period-instrument brass band. Performs year-round in the Midwest and Canada. Occasional open auditions. mike.deren@dodworth.org, www.dodworth.org
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
Teaches social dances of the mid-1800s through the mid-1900s. Monthly (Sept.-Apr.) workshops at all levels, $10; informal social dances after, $5. Formal balls, Dec. 12, 2009 & Feb. 13, 2009, each with different themes. Informal monthly swing dance and workshop $7. info@vintagedance.com, www.vintagedance.com
Performance ensemble blending dance and musical theater in original works that promote social, political, and spiritual awareness. info@jesserichards.net, animalloversproject.org
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
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. Membership $40, $5/lesson for nonmembers. See website for details. msalsastaff@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~msalsa
Men’s choral society of about 80 voices performs in Michigan and the Midwest 8-10 times a year, featuring 21st Annual Spring Concert, May 16, 2010. Auditions in Sept. and Jan. for men age 19 & over. lorenzs@slcs.us, www.measure4measure.org
An umbrella organization for U-M’s 15 a cappella groups. Groups perform throughout the year in varying musical genres. All 15 groups perform at MACFest, Nov. 7, 2009, Rackham Auditorium. maccexec@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umsing
Eight-week classes and open dance, 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 for members. See website for details. umtango@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umtango
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
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 literature (comedy and tragedy for ages 18-33). dlystra@sbcglobal.net, www.arts-nsal.org/chaptermidmichigan.html
Education, performances, and social outlet for those interested in choral music. Open to many ability levels. Meets mid-Sept.-mid-June, Mon. 7-9:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium. outloudchorus@gmail.com, outloudchorus.googlepages.com
Chamber opera company presents three fully costumed programs each year; open auditions. papagena13@aol.com
Offers classes in ballroom, tap, belly dance, line dancing, and Irish dance; singing, guitar, and piano; and creative writing. Civic Chorus and Cinema Club. Quarterly brochures provide fees, times, and dates for classes. See website for more information. www.aareced.com S
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
Training in theater and film stunt work. Hosts summer camps, demonstrations, workshops, and lectures. Performs at schools, fairs, and other events. Private and semiprivate fencing and stunt classes for all ages. info@ringofsteel.org, www.ringofsteel.org
Professional tap dancers perform in various schools, clubs, concerts, festivals. Annual concert and workshops for all levels. solefullofrhythm@mac.com, www.solefullofrhythm.com
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
For independent choreographers, dancers, and musicians. Call for audition information. Shows at Performance Network, 120 E. Huron, and elsewhere. info@movement-center.com
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
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
Traditional English dance group. Performs the Molly dance. Meets year round on first, third, and fifth Mon., 8-10 p.m. No dues. thequalitya2@gmail.com, www.thequality.org
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 $50. deltajanet@aol.com, www.ourownthingchorale.org
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
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 $120 (persemester). perample@mac.com
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
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
University and community members perform the operettas of the renowned W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Meeting for prospective members Sept. 13, 2009. umgassexec@umich.edu, www.umgass.org
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
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. Last season included a commissioned premiere by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom. Call or email for audition. bcohen@greenhillsschool.org http://vaeannarbor.org
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 $22, women age 25 & under $11. chorus@voicesinharmonychorus.org, www.voicesinharmonychorus.org
Performs a variety of medium 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
Volunteer ensemble performs concert band music in free concerts in Oct., Feb., and May at Washtenaw Community College, Pease Auditorium at Eastern Michigan University, and outdoors during the summer in the Ypsilanti area. Rehearsals year-round, Tues. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Whitmore Lake High School, 7430 Whitmore Lake Rd., Whitmore Lake 48189. No auditions. Dues $20 per semester. ypsicommband@gmail.com, www.ypsicommband.com