Ann Arbor has many private dance studios and music instructors; see the Yellow Pages for listings.

Academy of Early Music

Umbrella organization for performers, teachers, students, and enthusiasts of early classical music. Sponsors concert series, choir, master classes, workshops, and research projects. 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 Area Piano Teachers Guild

Refers students to qualified piano teachers; organizes student achievement testing, recitals, foundation awards, workshops, and summer camp. Offers continuing education for teachers. Meets third Thurs. 9 a.m., Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. aaaptg2001@yahoo.com, www.michiganmusicteachers.org/aaaptg.html

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

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. 20, 2007 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

Volunteer wind ensemble performs marches and classic band literature in Sun. afternoon concerts at the Michigan Theater in Jan. & May and at Hill Auditorium in Nov. & Mar. 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 and sword 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. janesro@bgsu.edu, www.a2fos.org

Ann Arbor Grail Singers

This group of about 20 women sings sacred music, including works from medieval liturgical chant to modern masters, in two concerts each year. dlfriauff@provide.net

Ann Arbor Morris Dance Team

Traditional English dance company performs statewide. Practice Sun. 6–8 p.m. at Gretchen’s House V, 2625 Traver (Oct.–Apr.), and various outdoor locations (May–Sept.). 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. corwinmoore@att.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 School for the Performing Arts

Offers programs for all ages, including jazz and chamber music studies and individual instruction in all standard instruments and voice. Classes are at Concordia and throughout Ann Arbor. Call or email for catalog. info@aa-spa.org, www.aa-spa.org

Ann Arbor Screenwriters Group

Usually meets twice a month on Wed. to critique members’ scripts and discuss screenwriting. pinardm@gmail.com, movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/aascreenwriters

Ann Arbor Society for Musical Arts

Presents six annual concerts by prominent local and regional classical musicians at the Ann Arbor Women's City Club. 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 Tell-a-bration 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.annarborstorytellers.org

Arbor Consort

Semiprofessional singing group performs Renaissance-era music in period costumes in two or three concerts a year, as well as holiday caroling in Victorian costumes. info@arbor-consort.org, 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

Celestial Resonance Violin Studio

Classes, workshops, and instruction for all ages and levels of experience. cwhiting@whitingviolin.com, www.whitingviolin.com

Cellochan

Support for students learning the cello. Offers private lessons, a wide range of optional performance opportunities, a family dessert concert, and an annual guest artist master class. cellochan3b@gmail.com, www.cellochan.com

Choral Connection

This troupe specializes in four-part harmonies delivered with wit and style. The 20-member group (or its octet, “Etcetera”) sings and dances, performing a wide range of music. annebau@hotmail.com, www.choralconnection.org

Community Drum Circle

Monthly community-building drum circle plays for private parties, outdoor festivals, meetings, conferences, and more. Open to the public. Meets at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, 114 S. Main. lorifithian@mac.com, www.drummunity.com

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. Open auditions Oct. 4, 2007, for dancers ages 12–adult.

Dance Gallery Studio

Adult classes in modern, ballet, jazz, yoga, and more. Workshops in other dance styles. dancegallerystudio@sbcglobal.net, 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

Faber Piano Institute

Instruction for all ages and levels. info@faberinstitute.org, www.faberinstitute.org

Friends of Four Hand Music

Members share ensemble piano music. Listeners welcome. Meets Sept.– June, second Sun. 2 p.m.; May meeting on third Sun; call for location. No 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. 8, 2007. Valentine Ragtime Trot, Feb. 9, 2008. 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, 530 S. State. $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 for males age 21 & over Sept. 9, 2007, 6:30–9 p.m. in the Alexander Music Bldg., Eastern Michigan University. lorenzs@slcs.us, www.measure4measure.org

Michigan A Cappella Council

An umbrella organization for U-M’s 12 a cappella groups. Groups perform throughout the year, in varying musical genres. umacappella@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 $10 for eight weeks, others $20 for eight weeks. No partner or experience necessary. Advanced classes at Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd., Mon. 8–9:30 p.m., practica 9:30–11 p.m. $5/lesson. Sat. night milonga, open dance for all levels, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.; see website for 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 group for artists and those who wish to assist young artists. Annual competitions in music, drama, literature, theater, dance, and visual art. 2008 competition is music (voice). 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. info@mail.aaoutloud.org, 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. dancegallerystudio@sbcglobal.net, 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

Residence Hall Repertory Theater

Student and other volunteers create and perform original scripts dealing with contemporary social and personal issues.

Ring of Steel Action Theater

Performs and provides training in swordplay, fencing, martial arts, and stunt work. Hosts demonstrations, workshops, and lectures. New students age 8 & over welcome by arrangement or at free monthly demonstrations. 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. randazzo@provide.net, www.randazzodance.com/solefullofrhythm.html

Summer Symphony of Ann Arbor

Continuing summertime music education program for qualified teen and adult musicians. sumsym@yahoo.com

Swing Ann Arbor

Drop-in swing dance lessons. No partner needed. Wed. lessons 7 p.m. (intermediate Lindy hop) & 9 p.m. (beginner East Coast). Open dancing 9:30 p.m. Students $4, nonstudents $5. Other classes available. 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 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. Also sponsors the Harold Haugh Light Opera Vocal Competition, open to all singers not represented by an agent. constu@comcast.net, www.umich.edu/~mgillett/coghome.htm

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 choir performs all types of music and presents two concerts a year. Open to new members, preferably in Sept. No auditions. Meets Sept.–May. dperample@gmail.com

Troupe Habibat al-Fen

Middle Eastern dance ensemble performs locally. 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

Tuesday Night Dancers

Ballroom dancing to live music fourth Tues. each month. Dinner 7 p.m., dancing 8–10:45 p.m.; $7 for dance, $17 for both. Singles & couples welcome. judyhocking@raker.com

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

Members of the public and university students, faculty, and staff 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 170 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 mostly a cappella works of various styles, from Renaissance to contemporary, including jazz. Four concerts a year, one with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Auditions Aug. 29, 2007, and by 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. dperample@gmail.com

YMCA

Dance classes offered year round in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, modern, and beledi (belly dance) for all levels and ages. www.annarborymca.org

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; $20/semester. ypsicommband@gmail.com, www.wccnet.edu/ycb