Lakeland Community College's 2024 fall performance season kicks off in October with concerts by five civic music ensembles. Each group will present at least one concert on campus between Oct. 13 and Dec. 6 in the Rodehorst Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are available at lakelandcc.edu/arts. Prices are $10 for adults, $8 for veterans, $7 for seniors and $2 for students and children.

The season opens Sunday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m. with the Lakeland Civic Band, directed by Frank Cosenza. The program, "Autumn Leaves," features an arrangement of the titular song and alto saxophonist Dr. Tyler Young as soloist on Claude T. Smith's "Fantasia for Alto Saxophone."

On Oct. 20 at 4 p.m., the Lakeland Civic Chorus performs under Ben Richard's direction, with Teresa Cosenza accompanying. The concert, "Alway Something Sings," is inspired by a Ralph Waldo Emerson poem set to music by Dan Forrest.

The Lakeland Civic Orchestra, directed by Dr. Matthew Saunders, debuts Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. The concert includes a world premiere overture by Lakeland alumna and Cleveland composer Inna Onofrei and Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto featuring Nicholas Jacques, junior division winner of the Lakeland Young Artists Concerto Competition.

The Lakeland Jazz Impact and Lakeland Civic Jazz Orchestra combine for "Jazz for a Sunday Afternoon" on Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. Directed by Ed Michaels and Demetrius Steinmetz, the concert showcases big band jazz performed by top high school and community musicians.

The Lakeland Civic Band and Frank Cosenza return Sunday, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. with a program titled “A Childhood Remembered,” featuring guest conductor Dr. Galen Kerriker, director of bands at the University of Akron.

The Lakeland Civic Flute Choir opens the holiday music season Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Director Judith Elias presents "Tis the Season," featuring Hanukkah and Christmas music. The program includes the world premiere of "Christmas Eve," arranged by Lakeland music faculty member Matthew C. Saunders. Robert L. Brown, Lakeland Professor Emeritus, joins the flute choir on “Christmas Eve” on celesta and piano, with other guest musicians.

The Lakeland Civic Chorus concludes the on-campus portion of the fall season Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. Director Ben Richard and accompanist Teresa Cosenza present a holiday-themed concert.

The Lakeland Civic Orchestra performs a free holiday concert Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Painesville United Methodist Church, 71 N. Park Place, Painesville, Ohio. This off-campus performance continues a Civic Orchestra tradition.

Lakeland's six civic music ensembles welcome community members through audition, with five offering college credit. Typically, two years of high school experience on an instrument or voice suffices for participation. Prospective musicians should prepare to sight-read and perform a piece showcasing their skills. Auditions are by appointment. To schedule, contact Matthew Saunders at 440-525-7105 or msaunders4@lakelandcc.edu.

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

By: Levi Rex, Marketing Communications Specialist