The Fall 2025 performance season begins in October for the five Civic Music Ensembles, each of which will present at least one concert on campus between Oct. 13 and Dec. 6. All concerts are presented in the Rodehorst Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at lakelandcc.edu/arts, and are $10,

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 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

• The Lakeland Civic Band, a full concert band rehearsing Thursday nights and directed by Frank Cosenza; needs include all winds and percussion
• Lakeland Jazz Impact, an honors-level jazz ensemble for students in grades eight through 12, meeting on Wednesday afternoons and directed by Ed Michaels.

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

By: Dr. Matthew Saunders