Academy of Early Music

Organization celebrating music from the Middle Ages to the Classical era. Presentation and sponsorship of period performances and community outreach activities. Academy members include concert goers, serious amateurs, aspiring students, and professional performers. aspemboard@umich.edu, www.academyofearlymusic.org

American Guild of Organists

Local chapter of a national organization for professional and amateur organists, church musicians, choir directors, and aficionados of organ and choral music. Concerts, recitals, workshops, and lectures throughout the year. jwagner@aacrc.org, www.annarborago.org

Ann Arbor Ballet Theater

Local troupe annually performs The Nutcracker at the Power Center. Auditions in Sept.

Ann Arbor Ballet Workshop

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

This chamber choir presents choral music from five centuries. Open to new members by audition. a2cantatasingers@yahoo.com, www.a2cantatasingers.org

Ann Arbor Civic Ballet

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

Community band performs Wed. in late June and in July at West Park, and at other events. No dues. billgourley@comcast.net

Ann Arbor Civic Chorus

Four-part chorus for experienced singers meets Sept.–Apr., Mon. nights. Varied repertoire. Fees vary. Concerts Dec. and Apr. brzezinl@aaps.k12.mi.us

Ann Arbor Classical Guitar Society

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

Ann Arbor Concert Band

Talented symphonic wind ensemble begins its 30th season performing marches and classic band literature in Sun. afternoon concerts at the historic Michigan Theater in Nov. Jan. Mar. & May. Potential new member auditions held in Aug. contactus@aaband.org, www.aaband.org

Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance

Organization dedicated to traditional music, dance, song, and related arts. Sponsors more than 200 events each year, most with live acoustic music, including contra dances, English country dances, open bands, Morris, sword, swing, international, and folk dancing, and more. info@aactmad.org, www.aactmad.org

Ann Arbor Festival of Song

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

A feature of the Michigan musical scene since 1995, this 16-voice women's choir has performed in several prestigious venues in Michigan and Ohio. Forthcoming concerts are announced on www.AcademyofEarlyMusic.org. For audition information, contact stephanie@teced.com

Ann Arbor Morris Dancers

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

Band dedicated to teaching and presenting 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

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. Rehearsals Sept., second Mon., and Oct.–June, first Mon., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Presents spring workshop and a June concert. davidgriffiths@sbcglobal.net

Ann Arbor Sacred Harp

Group devoted to the practice of shape-note singing, a form of early American communal hymn singing. All voices and levels of experience welcome. Meets at the Ark, 316 S. Main, Sept.–June, usually second Sun. 2–5 p.m. No dues. cawolfe@umich.edu

Ann Arbor Screenwriters Group

Meets second and fourth Wed. to discuss screenwriting, share information, and workshop scripts. Learn screenwriting craft and business. No dues. Email for more information. briansgate@hotmail.com, movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/aascreenwriters

Ann Arbor Society for Musical Arts

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

Sharing stories is a major part of each meeting. Visitors welcome. Annual dues $15. Produces Ann Arbor’s Tellabration in Nov. and the Nicola’s Books Storytelling Festival in the spring. Meets Jan.–June & Sept.–Nov., fourth Sun. 2–4 p.m., Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson (Westgate). fransdotir@aol.com or bevblack@umich.edu, www.annarborstorytelling.org

Arbor Consort

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

Brave New Works

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

Neighborhood adult theater group that 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. www.burnsparkplayers.org

County Connection Chorus of Sweet Adelines

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 Rd., Ypsilanti. Visitors welcome. chorus@countyconnectionchorus.org, www.countyconnectionchorus.org

Dance Ensemble of Michigan

Hosts original ballet and jazz dance performances at the Power Center and performs at retirement homes, hospitals, schools, and community centers. Call for Fall auditions, for dancers ages 12–adult. www.demi-dance.org

Dance Gallery Studio

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

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

Drumming Circle

Monthly community-building 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

Members share piano duet and two piano music for all skills 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

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

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

The local chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society meets weekly to sing, and its 40-member male chorus performs one or two concerts annually. Meets Tues. 7:30 p.m., Stony Creek United Methodist Church, 8635 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. info@hvharmonizers.org, www.hvharmonizers.org

MSalsa: U–M Salsa Rueda Club

Offers lessons, dances, and dance-related fund-raisers to promote Rueda de Casino (a Cuban-style salsa). U-M fall and winter terms, Mon. nights (beginners 7–8 p.m., open dance 8–8:30 p.m., intermediates 8:30–9:30 p.m.), Michigan Union Ballroom, second floor. $5/night; see website for details and special events. www.umich.edu/~msalsa

Measure for Measure

A men’s choral society of approximately 80 voices performs throughout Michigan and the Midwest 8 to 10 times a year. Auditions will be held in Sept. and Jan. for men age 19 and older. 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

Eight-week classes: beginners, advanced beginners, and intermediate. Angell Hall, 435 S. State, room G-115, Wed. 8–9:30 p.m., practica 9:30–11:30 p.m. Students $15 for eight weeks, others $25 for eight weeks. Discounts for members. No partner or experience necessary. Rotating series of advanced classes at Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd., Mon. 8–9:30 p.m., practica 9:30–11 p.m. $5/drop-in. Sat. night milonga, open dance for all levels, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.; see website for details, dates, and locations. umtango@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umtango

Michigan Sinfonietta

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

Local chapter of national organization for artists and those who wish to assist young artists. Annual competitions in music, drama, literature, musical theater, dance, and visual art. 200 competition is drama (comedy and tragedy for ages 13-32). dlystra@sbcglobal.net, www.arts-nsal.org/chaptermidmichigan.html

Out Loud Chorus

Education, performances, and social outlets for people interested in choral music. Open to many levels of ability; 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

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

Peter Sparling Dance Company

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

Redbud Productions

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

Performs and provides training in all matter of theater and film stunt work. Hosts summer camps, demonstrations, workshops, and lectures. Performs at schools, fairs, and other events. Private and semi-private classes for all ages. Rentals and sales. rosteel@umich.edu, www.ringofsteel.org

Sole Full of Rhythm

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

Swing Ann Arbor

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. Everybody welcome; no partner needed. Students $4; Nonstudents $5. swingannarbor@umich.edu, www.swingannarbor.org

Terpsichore’s Kitchen

Shows at Performance Network, 120 E. Huron, and elsewhere. Provides opportunities for independent choreographers, dancers, and musicians. info@movement-center.com

The Choral Connection

Song and dance troupe performs lively musical revues featuring animated vocals, up tempo staging, comedy bits, costumes, and props. Music includes jazz standards, vintage pop, and musical theater. annebau@hotmail.com, www.choralconnection.org

The Comic Opera Guild

Founded in 1973, this local and touring company stages all forms of classical musical theater from Mozart to operettas and musical comedies. Auditions are open. Recordings of rare operettas and English performing versions are available. Also sponsors the Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition, open to all singers not represented by an agent. constu@comcast.net, www.comicoperaguild.org

The Personae Theatre Ensemble

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

The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale

Choral ensemble performs spirituals and the music of African American composers. Public welcome at meetings, Tues. 7:30 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 900 John A. Woods Dr. Rehearsals mid-Sept.–June. www.ourownthingchorale.org

The Working Writers Group

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

This 25-member, mixed-voice choir performs all types of music and presents two concerts a year. Open to new members, preferably in Sept. No auditions. Meets Sept.–May. perample@mac.com

Troupe Habibat al-Fen

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

Weekly ballroom dance lessons followed by open dancing. No partner necessary. Casual dress. Meets most Sun. Annual competition. All skill levels welcome. Trial membership available. ballroom@umich.edu, www.umich.edu/~umbdc

U-M Gilbert & Sullivan Society

University students, faculty, and community members perform the works of the renowned musical team in fall and spring shows at Mendelssohn Theatre. umgassexec@umich.edu, www.umgass.org

University Musical Society Choral Union

Auditioned chorus of 175 voices that performs locally and with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Performances of Handel’s Messiah in Dec. choralunion@umich.edu, www.ums.org/s_choral_union

Vocal Arts Ensemble

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 appointment. bcohen@greenhillsschool.org

Women's Chamber Chorus

Nondenominational group 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. perample@mac.com

Ypsilanti Community Band

Volunteer ensemble performs concert band music in free evening concerts during the year (Oct., Dec., Mar., May) at Washtenaw Community College and during the summer in various outdoor locations in the Ypsilanti area. No auditions to join. ypsicommband@gmail.com, www.ypsicommband.com