Local Performing Groups
(Professional & Community)
Jansen Jazz Band - http://our.jansenartcenter.org/
The Jansen Jazz Band is a performing group that is open to experienced high school/adult musicians wishing to play in a "big band" style jazz ensemble. Enrollment requires a Rhythm Section (piano, bass, drums) and a minimum of four wind instruments (trumpet, trombone, saxophone). There will be one performance at the Jansen Art Center with possible others in and about the community.
North Cascade Community Band - http://www.nccband.org
The North Cascades Concert Band performs regularly throughout the Northwest playing a wide variety of concert band music. NCCB is comprised of musicians from throughout the northern region of Western Washington. The NCCB regularly plays a Fall and Spring concert, plus other special events when requested.
North Sound Adult Community Orchestra - http://northsoundyouthsymphony.org/wp/orchestras/nsco/
The Adult Community Orchestra is for those musicians ages 18+ who wish to either pull out and dust off their instrument or improve ongoing skills. This is a friendly and welcoming environment for all musical abilities and instrument types and is open without an audition.
Skagit Community Band - http://skagitcommunityband.org
The Skagit Community Band has been performing in the Skagit Valley for more than 35 years. Its rich history includes playing for the opening of the “Rest Stop” on I-5 north of Burlington, to the ground breaking of McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon. The ensemble consists of members that believe in sharing and performing quality music. These musicians come from all walks of life and from all across the North Puget Sound including: Mount Vernon, Burlington, Bellingham, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley, Whidbey Island, and La Conner. From September to June we rehearse once a week on Tuesday nights from 7:30-9:30 in the Anacortes H.S. band room. Our season consists of concerts performed in La Conner, Mount Vernon and Anacortes three times a year. We also support the community by sponsoring fundraisers for the local school music programs, In addition, we provide funding for instrument repairs and also purchase new instruments and equipment.
Skagit Opera - http://skagitopera.org
Skagit Opera is a non-profit corporation dedicated to producing high-quality, fully staged professional opera productions to audiences in the Northwest of Washington State. Showcasing the substantial regional talent, supplemented with national and international artists, Skagit Opera presents its major productions in McIntyre Hall, a fabulous arts venue in Mount Vernon.
Founded in 2003 by Ronald Wohl, who served as General Director until 2010, Skagit Opera has produced nine full-length opera, three full-length operettas and one-act operas, three oratorios and numerous concerts and recitals. In 2011, Mitchell Kahn became General Director and cemented Skagit Opera's reputation as one of America's premier small regional opera companies.
Founded in 2003 by Ronald Wohl, who served as General Director until 2010, Skagit Opera has produced nine full-length opera, three full-length operettas and one-act operas, three oratorios and numerous concerts and recitals. In 2011, Mitchell Kahn became General Director and cemented Skagit Opera's reputation as one of America's premier small regional opera companies.
Skagit Symphony Orchestra - http://www.skagitsymphony.com
The Skagit Symphony Orchestra is a volunteer group of accomplished musicians led by Maestro Roupen Shakarian. 2012-13 is the Symphony’s thirty-third season. Renowned soloists perform with the regular orchestra, which numbers around sixty players. The orchestra is accompanied at some concerts by the newly formed volunteer Skagit Symphony Chorus led by Chorus Master David Cross. Weekly rehearsals are held at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church.
Whatcom Symphony Orchestra - http://www.whatcomsymphony.com
Today, the WSO is comprised of over 80 volunteer musicians, including local music teachers, active and retired professional musicians, and talented community members from all backgrounds. The orchestra performs six subscription concerts at the MBT each season, plus maintains an ambitious calendar of community outreach events.
Whatcom Wind Ensemble - http://whatcomwindensemble.weebly.com
The Whatcom Wind Ensemble was formed in April 2008 when a group of wind players felt the need for a high quality community wind ensemble. The ensemble members include but are not limited to community members, music educators, university and high school students. The WWE rehearses at Western Washington University and is currently under the direction of Brad Hendry, Jacob Scherr and Zach Smith.