The musical ensembles of the Lakeland Civic Music program are looking for new members for their 2024-2025 performance season. Each ensemble rehearses weekly and performs 3-4 concerts each year on Lakeland Community College’s main campus, along with various concerts in the community.

Musicians interested in joining Lakeland’s Civic Music programs will be auditioned by appointment, and should be prepared to sight-read and play a prepared selection best demonstrating their abilities. Auditions will begin in August. To schedule an audition, contact Dr. Matthew Saunders, at 440.525.7105 or msaunders4@lakelandcc.edu.

Five of the six large ensembles are open to all community members by audition and available for college credit through the Lakeland music department. In general, two years’ high school experience on the instrument or voice is considered sufficient to participate.

The ensembles open for audition are:

• The Lakeland Civic Orchestra, a full symphony orchestra rehearsing Monday nights and directed by Dr. Matthew Saunders; needs include all stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello and bass) and winds and percussion.
• The Lakeland Civic Band, a full concert band rehearsing Thursday nights and directed by Frank Cosenza; needs include all winds and percussion.
• The Lakeland Civic Chorus, a mixed chorus rehearsing Tuesday nights and directed by Ben Richard; needs include singers of all voice types.
• The Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra, a jazz big band rehearsing Wednesday nights and directed by Demetrius Steinmetz; needs include saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section.
• The Lakeland Civic Flute Choir, an ensemble of flutes and related instruments rehearsing Thursday mornings and directed by Judith Elias; needs include all concert flute players.
• Lakeland Jazz Impact, an honors-level jazz ensemble for students in grades 8 through 12, meeting Wednesday afternoons and directed by Ed Michaels.

Additionally, Lakeland’s Small Group Music program allows participant organized bands and chamber ensembles in any style to access rehearsal space, basic equipment, coaching, and performance opportunities while receiving college credit.

Find more information about Lakeland’s Civic Music offerings at lakelandcc.edu/music.

By: Adam Continenza, Mrktg and Commun Specialist