75% of the Consortium’s annual revenues (approximately $3.5 million) are derived from funds received through the U.S. Department of Education and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to provide higher education access services for disadvantaged students and adults across the state.
Campus Performance Groups
Assumption’s Offbeats
Founded in 2005, The Assumption College Offbeats are the best... well, the only all male student run A cappella group on campus. With their harmonies and enthusiasm these second generation Offbeats keep their audiences smiling, clapping and singing along from start to finish.
Clark’s From Here to Zanzibar
From Here to Zanzibar is a four-piece indie act hailing from Worcester, MA. FHTZ is comprised of Andy Renard, Will Colan, Aaron Dewberry, and Nick Rossi, all juniors at Clark University. The band's eclectic sound comes from its influences which run a range from blues, jazz, indie, ska and reggae. FHTZ has played venues all over New England, and really enjoys playing live and having a good time. FHTZ has released the House of Wonders EP in February of 2010, and is available on MySpace and RevebNation. Come party with us!
Clark’s Shenanigans
Shenanigans is a brand new comedy troupe in its 2nd year at Clark University. With their own patented blend of sketch comedy and improvisation, Shenanigans has more improv than seven full-grown male bison.
QCC’s Opening Night
Opening Night was formed in a tiny basement during the winter of 2003. This call to music greatness came amidst the heavy rebirth of Punk and Skate Anthems. Their sound and style incorporate the music of Blink-182, Green Day, Rufio, and Brand New, Set your Goals, New Found Glory and Bayside into a raw, fast, and sometimes ridiculous experience. Their first full length album, "No Don't Touch It!" was released in 2005. Opening Night have performed with bands such as the Ataris, This Time Next Year, and other up & coming pop punk bands. Check out Opening Night and all of their upcoming venues with some of Massachusetts best local acts. We hope to see you all there!
WPI’s The Stage Band & Jazz Ensemble
Founded in 1979, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute JazzGroup consists of three award-winning jazz groups on campus, directed by Professor Rich Falco. The Stage Band and Jazz Ensemble perform often throughout the year at various concerts, festivals, live television broadcasts, educational programs, banquets, and charity fundraisers. They have also toured in several countries, including France, Russia, Romania, Egypt, and the Czech Republic.
The Stage Band is the larger of the ensembles consisting of 24 musicians. The group performs traditional and contemporary big band literature of modern, Latin, swing, funk, fusion, and more.
The Jazz Ensemble consists of 11 musicians and performs more contemporary compositions with a strong emphasis on improvisation and modern jazz language. This “jazz combo” gigs regularly in concert, for television, receptions, and charity events.
WSC’s The Series
The Series is an alternative rock band hailing from Central Massachusetts. The band consists of Mike Shadd (lead singer), James Shadd (vocals/guitar), Josh Williams (lead guitar), Shane King (bass), and Aaron Antanavica (drums). It’s been a long road for these five gentlemen and it hasn't been paved in gold. A series of events be it good or bad has brought these musicians together. With line up changes and instrument changes The Series is proof that there is no formula, just hard work and perseverance. The Series are pushing their self-titled debut EP onto anyone that will listen. They have something to say and they are going to sing it loud!