"Powerful and imaginative, music written for video games has become part of our popular culture. Appreciation for video game music is strong among fans and musicians alike. Explore the fun and challenging world of video game music in the 8-week string orchestra Civic Summer Pops Sessions, June 16-August 3, 2026."

Rehearsals: 5:45-6:45 pm Tuesdays June 16 - July 28 at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center

Concert: 6:00 pm Monday August 3, Civic Center Stage

"Powerful and imaginative, music written for video games has become part of our popular culture. Appreciation for video game music is strong among fans and musicians alike. Explore the fun and challenging world of video game music in the 8-week string orchestra Civic Summer Pops Sessions, June 16-August 3, 2026."

Rehearsals: 7:00-8:30 pm Tuesdays June 16 - July 28 at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center

Concert: 6:00 pm Tuesday August 3, Civic Center Stage

Single Day Parent and Baby Drop in 

Introducing TC Phil Orff Camp 2026, a week-long summer music camp filled with exploration, improvisation, and creation. The Orff Approach (https://aosa.org/about/what-is-orff-schulwerk/) is a child-centered, play-based approach which utilizes singing, playing instruments, movement, and drama to deepen a person's relationship to music, opening doors to creativity and expression reaching far beyond the music classroom.  Each day, students will sing together, play drums, xylophones and small percussion, move and dance, and engage in storytelling and dramatic play. Join us as we spend a week playing and making music together! 

June 22 - 26, 2026

Monday - Friday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. 

Join us for a final "informance" on Friday, June 26 at 3:30 pm. 

Jennifer Ludwig, violist, music teacher and northern Michigan native, grew up in Interlochen as the daughter of two music teachers. She began playing the violin at age three, attended Interlochen Arts Camp for many years and graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in 1998. After earning an undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and a Master's Degree in Viola Performance from the Universite de Montreal, she taught music at Cedar Crest Academy in Clarkston, MI, earning her Orff Certification in 2016.  Returning to northern MI in 2018, she now lives in Traverse City with her family and teaches music to students from ages 3 to 14 at The Pathfinder School.   

Have a child who loves music? Join us for our “Parent and Baby Class” taught by local music educator, Kristi Fish. Children will have fun exploring music in a hands-on way as we listen, sing, move, chant, play instruments, and more! ​Not just for littles, parents will also learn how to incorporate music into the everyday life of your tiny musician; whether it’s chanting, singing silly songs, or rhythmic call and response, music can help in all areas of learning and development. 

Saturdays, June 27 July 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

No classes July 4 and July 11

10:30 - 11:00 am

Calling all high school and adult cellists! The Traverse City Philharmonic Civic Program is offering a 4-week Cello Club in July 2026. This is a unique opportunity to play cello ensemble repertoire in an all-cello orchestra with mellow cello fellows from your community. Participants should be in 9th grade or older, possess solid technical and music-reading skills and have studied a minimum of 3+ years.  

Rehearsals are 5:45 - 6:45 pm on Tuesdays July 7, 14, 21 & 26 at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. 

The concert will by Monday, August 3 at 6:00 pm at the Civic Center Stage. 

This offering is for adults with little to no prior musical experience who are interested in learning how to play a band instrument. We’ll cover the fundamentals of reading music, proper instrument handling, basic technique, and ensemble playing. With support from TC Philharmonic artist educators, this 10-week class will foster a supportive environment, encouraging adults to develop their musical skills while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow learners. No previous musical knowledge is required—just a willingness to learn and have fun!

Schedule: Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:00 am 

Sept 12, 19, 26

Oct 3, 10, 17, 31

Nov 7, 21

NO Rehearsal Oct 24 and Nov 14

Concert Sunday 3:00 pm Nov 22 

This offering is for adults with at least one year of experience on their band and wanting to continue to grow their technique. We’ll continue to cover the fundamentals of reading music, proper instrument handling, more advanced techniques, and ensemble playing. With support from TC Philharmonic artist educators, this 10-week class will foster a supportive environment, encouraging adults to continue developing their musical skills while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow learners. 

Schedule: Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm 

Sept 16, 23, 30

Oct 7, 14, 21, 28

Nov 4, 11, and 18

Concert Wednesday 7:00 pm Nov 18