Song of the Lakes celebrates the wonder and beauty of Michigan. The four-member ensemble regularly performs a variety of musical genres and offer workshops.

The unique, rhythm-driven music of Southpaw Isle stretches into and beyond jazz, classical, samba and calypso while rooted in Caribbean pan tradition. The four-member group is famous for presenting high quality performances that keep audiences moving and begging for more.

The Symphony has an educational program called Musicians In Schools, where professionals musicians come into the classroom and interact with the students.

Multicolored music for kids of all ages!

The Cook Arts Center send artists, dancers, actors and musicians into schools toteach their specific area of expertise to students in order to supplement the currentcurriculum for teachers and/or to do something fun for events/parties/special activities.

The Gratitude Steel Band makes music that makes people happy. Traditionally known as an instrument of the tropics, Gratitude Steel Band preserves the art and heritage of the steel drum and its commitment to its rich family vocals of all styles. The band engages their audience with stories sung, and plays with dynamics from quiet classical to full turbo hustle and limbo experiences!

They create shows for special celebrations from Arts and Education Grand Openings to the dedication of a museum artifact to University and K-12 Educational Concerts. With unique tempos, styles and artist variations, Gratitude Steel Band adds surprise and excitement to every performance.

The Moxie Strings is the electrifying combination of fiddler Diana Ladio and cellist Alison Lynn. With their feel-good melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms, these young women have put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. Though rooted in tradition, the pair offers listeners a unique opportunity.

This Michigan-based string band has cultivated a loyal following with its deft mix of rustic Appalachian music, bluegrass and originals. The Raisin Pickers have learned from the past, assimilated their strengths and arrived at a sound all their own. Fans of traditional music who enjoy aces fiddling, banjo work and tight vocal harmonies will appreciate The Raisin Pickers. Offers performances and workshops.

Timothy Twiss presents uplifting performances of early American songs popular in the days preceding the Civil War. Utilizing vocals and a beautiful, period fretless banjo, Twiss plays the timeless music of Stephen Foster, Joel Sweeney Dan Emmett and others. Offers performances and workshops.

Percussionists hit things. Whether it is in Michigan or the Middle East, India or Indiana, percussionists everywhere express themselves through the art of hitting. For more than a decade, Tim Mocny and Mike List have been students, performers and educators of percussion. To Hit captivates a variety of audiences with their performances of their original works, arrangements and commissions. The duo has performed in schools, nursing homes, coffee shops and concert halls. The works of To Hit reflect the influences of the globalized culture in which they live, blending the sounds American art and pop music with the music of North India, the Middle East and Africa creating a palate of sonic colors that spans continents.

Tricia Kjolhede is an extraordinary entertainer and much, much more. Tunes n Tales by Tricia combines the fun of musical expression with 30 years of classroom experience and knowledge of young people.

Valerie Barrymore and the Foundation of Funk is a high-energy musical experience.

The history of jazz is as rich and entertaining as the music itself.

Folk musician and educator Wanda Degen is a singer and instrumentalist specializing in intergenerational concerts that feature unique instruments. Degen introduces audiences to the autoharp, hammered dulcimer and mountain dulcimer.

A grant program is available to bring small ensembles to schools or other venues especially for those would benefit more than from attending a general concert in a hall, i.e., special needs children, advanced music students, etc.

The Western Jazz Quartet presents an exciting blend of jazz from Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck to contemporary originals and the sounds of Brazil. The group of resident faculty from Western Michigan University pairs a worldwide performance schedule with active jazz teaching. They promote jazz and jazz education through performances and workshops for school children of all ages. Western Jazz Quartet is equally at home working with students and touring with artists such as Bobby McFerrin and Randy Brecker. The quartet has released five award-winning CDs, toured from Boston to Los Angeles, and appears regularly in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. The Western Jazz Quartet is also a hit performing with symphony orchestras.

An artist-in-residence is a professional performer with a dual role as a "teaching artist." During a multi-day stay on campus and in our community, an artist-in-residence shares his or her expertise and insights on creativity during close interaction with youth and lifelong learners.

Bill Vits has been entertaining and educating with his Percussion Discussion for 30 years.

Known for their fresh arrangements of traditional and contemporary favorites, strong lead vocals and lush harmonies, this charming husband and wife ensemble offers a potpourri of music styles. The couple offers performances and workshops.

Duo-pianists Yuki and Tomoko Mack have won top prizes for major international duo-piano competitions in the United States and Japan. The duo offers performances and workshops.