Music Performance
The CLC Music Department has a rich history of music performance entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Currently, there are eight performing ensembles which provide a wide variety of music styles. These performing ensembles are comprised of musicians from Central Lakes College and members from surrounding greater Minnesota communities. Central Lakes College offers music classes to degree seeking students through five academic music programs.
Ensembles
This concert band is comprised of advanced, semi-professional musicians who have auditioned into the ensemble. The Wind Symphony focuses on enhancing each individual’s strengths in preparing and performing traditional and contemporary band literature with balance, blend, and intonation, fused with passion and intensity to create an overall musical experience unlike any other. This ensemble performs two concerts per season, hosts a band festival, and tours internationally every two years.
This band is an intermediate non-auditioned concert band focused on enhancing musical skills and building fluency and proficiency. This ensemble encompasses age levels from high school to adult, preparing and performing traditional and contemporary band literature with one concert per semester. Fun activities, a great variety of music, music theory, and ear training make up the experience. This ensemble tours internationally every two years.
Check out our Accredited Music Programs
MMEA Music Program
Congratulations to the Central Lakes Wind Symphony for being selected to perform at the Minnesota Music Educator’s Association Convention! View Program Here (pdf)
Events and Auditions Calendar
November 2025
10nov7:00 pm9:00 pmFall Bands Concert

Event Details
Featuring the Raider Concert Winds, Raider Jazz Collective, and Central Lakes Jazz Orchestra.
Event Details
Featuring the Raider Concert Winds, Raider Jazz Collective, and Central Lakes Jazz Orchestra.
Time
November 10, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-06:00)
Organizer
13nov7:00 pm8:00 pmFall Choirs Concert

Event Details
Featuring the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.
Event Details
Featuring the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.
Time
November 13, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-06:00)
Organizer
14nov7:00 pm9:00 am5th Annual Lakes Band Festival

Event Details
The 5th Annual Lakes Band Festival begins at Central Lakes College where participating high schools attend a free workshop with CLC Music Faculty. The Festival will feature top high school
Event Details
The 5th Annual Lakes Band Festival begins at Central Lakes College where participating high schools attend a free workshop with CLC Music Faculty. The Festival will feature top high school bands from around the state of Minnesota performing a festival program showcasing their school and community. Further, CLC’s Central Lakes Wind Symphony will perform after intermission and a grand finale will included a classic March with a large comprised ensemble featuring all the musicians involved. This event is FREE and open to the public. The 5th Annual Lakes Band Festival will occur on Friday, November 14th at 7PM in the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts.
Time
November 14, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 am(GMT-06:00)
Location
Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts
602 S 5th St Brainerd, MN 56401
Organizer
December 2025
05dec5:45 pm9:00 pmJingle and Mingle

Event Details
Located at the Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa, this event features lively holiday music from the Central Lakes Jazz Orchestra!
Event Details
Located at the Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa, this event features lively holiday music from the Central Lakes Jazz Orchestra!
Time
December 5, 2025 5:45 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-06:00)
Location
Roundhouse Brewery
23836 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468
Organizer
08dec7:00 pm8:45 pm4th Annual Gathering of Waters

Event Details
The 4th Gathering of Waters Band Festival will feature top high school bands from Little Falls & Long Prairie as well as the St. Cloud Municipal Band performing
Event Details
The 4th Gathering of Waters Band Festival will feature top high school bands from Little Falls & Long Prairie as well as the St. Cloud Municipal Band performing a festival program showcasing their school and community. Further, CLC’s Central Lakes Wind Symphony will perform after intermission and a grand finale will included a classic March with a large comprised ensemble featuring all the musicians involved. This event is FREE and open to the public. The 4th annual Gathering of Waters Band Festival will occur on Monday, December 8th at 7PM in the Charles D. Martin Auditorium in Little Falls, MN.
Time
December 8, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm(GMT-06:00)
Location
Charles D. Martin Auditorium
1001 5th Ave SE Little Falls
Organizer
10dec7:00 pm9:00 pmHolly Jolly Concert

Event Details
Welcome all ages to a festive holiday concert featuring all of the Central Lakes College student musicians and community musicians!
Event Details
Welcome all ages to a festive holiday concert featuring all of the Central Lakes College student musicians and community musicians!
Time
December 10, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-06:00)
Organizer
12dec4:00 pm5:30 pmStudent Music Recital

Event Details
Come listen to student musicians perform solos, small group works, and unique projects in a relaxed, informal performance. Located in the band/choir rehearsal hall – E471.
Event Details
Come listen to student musicians perform solos, small group works, and unique projects in a relaxed, informal performance. Located in the band/choir rehearsal hall – E471.
Time
December 12, 2025 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm(GMT-06:00)
Organizer
CLC Wind Symphony Samples
Seventh Night of July (mp3)
Midway March (mp3)