Arts Groups
Community arts organizations are an important part of the social and artistic fibre of a community. Support your local groups.
Community Groups in and around Willmar, Minnesota
To have your group included here call 320-231-2115 or e-mail me at dennis@dennisbenson.com
Community Band The Prairie Winds Concert Band is a volunteer organization with membership open to anyone who plays a band instrument. They meet 3 sessions per year with each session lasting about 8 weeks. Fall (Sept-early Nov) Winter (Jan-early March) and Summer (June and July). Contact Dennis Benson (320-231-2115) Dennis@DennisBenson.com or Paul Baumgarten(320-235-2697) pbaum55@charter.net. See their web site for a schedule of performances.
Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra is a community orchestra directed by Steve Ekblad. Meets Tuesday evenings at 7pm in the WEAC rehearsal room. Open to all musicians. Alternate sites will be posted the night of the rehearsal. 320-214-9433 for info. See the Arts Calendar for Concert dates
The Barn Theatre A local community theater which uses local talent and is occasionally supplemented with outside direction. It is a beautiful theater in downtown Willmar with comfortable seating for 250. For information on trying out or ticket information call (320-235-9500). See their web site for show dates etc.
West Central Singers directed by Chet Sommers, former High School choir director in Willmar. See the Arts Calendar for Concert dates.
Prairie Arts Chorale Practices in Redwood Falls, The Prairie Arts Chorale was founded in 1980 with the help of a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council (SMAHC). Two musical seasons are prepared each year. The fall concert presents classical and sacred music, while the spring season is selected from folk songs, popular tunes, and themes from Broadway and musical theatre.
In addition, the Chorale has toured England (1993) and the Republic of Belarus (1996). The group rehearses weekly and is open to new singers by audition. Inquiries regarding concerts and auditions may be addressed to Vicki Daub, president; 972 North Street, Wabasso, MN 56293 or by telephone: 507-342-5662 or any other Chorale member.
Patricia Kazarow began directing the PAC in September of 1997. She received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Michigan. As associate professor of music at Gustavus-Adolphus College in St. Peter, she conducts the Christ Chapel Choir, the Christ Singers, teaches music courses, serves as associate organist for Christ Chapel and arranges choral ensemble tours. Dr. Kazarow serves as clinician and workshop leader for various high school and church choirs as well as being a frequent lecturer in transformational music in traditional
and cross cultural contexts.
West Central Connection Chorus: A men's barbershop chorus which meets at the Willmar Senior Citizen Center on N Hwy 71 on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm. Call Todd Mattison ( 320-235-1701 ) or Bob Starz (320-974-3370). Open to all singers.
CTI Music Ministries (formally known as Carpenter's Tools International) is an independent, non-profit organization affiliated with Youth for Christ International (YFCI). Music teams travel extensively performing for young people around the world. Offices are located on 19th Ave SW across from Roosevelt school. Call 320-235-0155 for more information.
On Call Youth for Christ singing group that uses local high school talent and sings for churches, youth gatherings and over sea's ministries. Auditions are required. Phone 320-235-0119.
Fast Forward Youth for Christ Junior High singing group. 320-235-0119.
New London/Spicer City Brass Contact Berge Johnson 320-796-5477
Riverside Strings consists of players from the New London-Spicer area. fiddle, penny whistle, guitars, drum and harmonica. Led by Gerry Saetviet
Litchfield Male Chorus This is a male chorus which performs several concerts each year. It is open to all men.
West Central Keyboard Club An organizations of piano teachers. The group sponsors a piano/violin/voice festival each January which is among the largest in the state. Open to all music teachers.
West Central Wood Carvers Club Meets at the Willmar Jr Hi Contact Bob Bredesen 320-235-2147 or Terry Pederson 320-231-2650
Little Crow Photography Club Ken Visser, president
Crow River Youth Orchestra Michael Crary, director. Provides orchestral experience for the youth of the area in order to educate, entertain, and enrich both listeners and performers as well. It's open to elementary age to 21. Placement is by ability and students need to be at least in the equivalent of Suzuki Book 3. Contact CRAYO, 900 Harrington St SW, Hutchinson, MN 55350
Prairie Lakes Chapter of The American Organists Guild Faith Lutheran, 310 Medayto Dr, Spicer. for fellow church organists, organ enthusiasts, choir directors. Questions call Phil Holzman at Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar.
C.A.T. (Creating Art Together) meets every Wednesday from 9:30 until noon at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Everyone who is interested in creating art together is welcome. We paint, draw, and learn together, share knowledge, sponsor workshops in various media, and promote the arts in the area and further. For more information call Julia Iverson, 354-2802 or Bonnie Smith, 235-1031.
|
