Lakeland Community College’s five musical ensemble programs are returning to in-person rehearsals and performances for fall semester 2021 and are seeking new and returning musicians.

Musicians with the equivalent of at least two years of high school level music-making are invited to schedule an audition. Lakeland students may earn one college credit per semester of participation, but all ensembles are open to any qualified community member. The ensembles present several concerts per year on- and off-campus.

The ensembles include:

• The Lakeland Civic Band - This large concert band, under the direction of Daniel Crain, plays music from all aspects of the band tradition. Current needs are for trombone, saxophone and tuba players, but all players of wind and percussion instrument are encouraged to audition. This ensemble meets Thursday nights.
• The Lakeland Civic Chorus - This large mixed chorus, directed by interim director Charles Eversole, performs accompanied and a cappella repertoire and musicians singing soprano, alto, tenor and bass are welcome and encouraged to audition. The ensemble meets Tuesday nights.
• The Lakeland Civic Flute Choir - The newest addition to Lakeland’s ensembles, directed by Judith Elias, explores the ensemble repertoire for the flute family of instruments, and all flutists are encouraged to audition. The ensemble meets Thursday mornings.
• The Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra - This big band jazz ensemble, under the direction of interim director Edward Michaels, performs music from throughout the history of jazz and interested performers on saxophone, trombone, trumpet, plus jazz rhythm section players are encouraged to audition. The ensemble meets Wednesday nights.
• The Lakeland Civic Orchestra - This full symphony orchestra, directed by Dr. Matthew Saunders, presents both classical and modern works. Specific needs at this time are for violin, viola, cello and bass, with additional openings for bassoon, trombone and percussion, but all performers on orchestral instruments are encouraged to audition. The ensemble meets Monday nights.

Interested musicians will be auditioned by appointment by mutual arrangement with the relevant director and should be prepared to demonstrate their musical abilities appropriately. To schedule an audition, please contact the appropriate ensemble director, found at lakelandcc.edu/arts or by clicking the link below.

Lakeland Performing Groups

For questions, contact Dr. Matthew Saunders, music department chair, at 440.525.7105 or msaunders4@lakelandcc.edu.

About Lakeland Community College

For more than 50 years, Lakeland Community College has impacted thousands of lives through learning. Founded in 1967, Lakeland was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to its mission, the college provides quality learning opportunities to more than 11,000 credit students to meet the needs of the community at its campus in Kirtland and online.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Lakeland offers more than 130 associate degree and certificate programs that may lead to high-demand careers or transfer to four-year institutions. The college also provides access to bachelor’s, graduate and doctorate degrees along with certificates and endorsements on campus through the Holden University Center of Lakeland, in partnership with 11 four-year institutions.

By: Dr. Matthew Saunders