HFC Music Ensembles
The vocal and instrumental ensembles at HFC are directed by Anthony Lai. They are open to all HFC students (regardless of major) and to members of the community. Music selection is as diverse as its membership, with emphasis on music by living composers, underepresented composers, and music relevant to the our community.
Concerts are held throughout the year with class rehearsals spanning the Fall and Winter Semesters.
Do you like to sing or play a musical instrument?
You're invited to attend an open rehearsal – free of charge and no obligation!
Come and check out the Henry Ford Chorus, Metropolitan Symphony Band, and Studio 110 Jazz and Funk Orchestra during the first week of classes. If you join an ensemble, you can sign up either for credit or for a greatly reduced, non-credit fee.
For information about open rehearsals and auditions, please contact Anthony Lai at ajlai@hfcc.edu
Henry Ford Chorus
Featuring the talents of HFC students, faculty, and staff, as well as local residents, the Henry Ford Chorus sings a variety of music including gospel, classical, spirituals, broadway, and songs of social justice. They have sung in countless languages, and have traveled to Notre Dame, Chicago, Kalamazoo, Stratford, and Toronto for concert tours. The Henry Ford Chorus also performs at HFC Commencement ceremonies, civic functions, and for community organizations.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:40 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Metropolitan Symphony Band
Metropolitan Symphony Band includes HFC students, advanced placement students from high school, students from neighboring universities, and adult members of the community. The band emphasizes contemporary band literature.
Saturday Mornings: 10:00 a.m.
Studio 110 Jazz & Funk Orchestra
This “big jazz band” has members of all ages from advanced high school students to current HFC students to members of the community. Styles of music span the history of jazz, from classic swing to latin dace to contemporary funk. Student and faculty written charts are welcomed and common.
Monday Nights: 7:00 p.m.
Community Ensembles - In-Residence
Henry Ford Big Band
The Henry Ford Big Band has performed at major jazz festivals throughout the world. The group, performing for over four decades, has appeared dozens of times at the Detroit Jazz Festival, twice at Carnegie Hall, and seven times at the prestigious Montreux International Jazz Festival in Switzerland. They have performed at Presidential Inaugural Celebrations and have also toured Hawaii, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and France. In addition, the Big Band performs numerous civic function and dance engagements throughout the year.
Vanguard Voices & Brass
Vanguard Voices & Brass is a mixed chorus and brass ensemble sponsored by the City of Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department. Vanguard Voices is choir-in-residence at HFC and is proud to sponsor Vanguard Premieres, a composition contest and commission program which has introduced more than 40 new compositions to the choral world.
Dearborn Community Chorus
Dearborn Community Chorus is a choir sponsored by the City of Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department. Directed by G. Kevin Dewey.
Recordings
HFC music groups have released several CDs, including recordings of every President’s Collage Concert since 1997.
Contact
Anthony Lai, Director of Bands and Choir
Email: ajlai@hfcc.edu