Resources for Students

2017 photograph of Junior High Choir singing the National Anthem with Andrew conducting.

Outline of Resources Page:

I.  General Information for Rush City High School Vocal Music Students

A. Music Theory

B. Piano Lessons

C. Voice Lessons

D. Violin Lessons

E. Joint Band and Choir Participation

F.  BBC Documentary: Learn to Sing: Step-by-Step Guides

G. Free Musical Events at the University of Minnesota School of Music

    

II. Specific Material for Members of the Junior High Choir

III. Specific Material for Members of the Concert Choir

IV. Specific Material for Members of the Vocal Jazz Choir

I.  General Information for Rush City High School Vocal Music Students

A.  Music Theory. Here is a link for basic information on Music Theory by Toby Rush.

B.  Piano Lessons 

The Rush City High School choirs need student accompanists. Playing the piano is an important skill whether you are going to be a vocalist or you are focusing your musical training on another instrument. If you want to take private piano lessons, please consider contacting Ms. Jaime Holmstrom who is a music teacher here at Rush City Schools and is an excellent private piano teacher.  

2016 photograph of Ms. Holmstrom conducting the wonderful 5th and 6th Grade Elementary Choir at the Mall of America. 

Excellent music, piano and string lessons can be also be obtained through the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts, 823 First Street South, P.O. Box 162, St. Cloud, MN 56301, 320-255-0318. Founded in 1981, the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts has provided exceptional music education for students of all ages and abilities. Another wonderful opportunity to obtain high quality music training is provided by the MacPhail Center for Music. MacPhail faculty member Jeremy Hanson gives a very basic introduction to the piano in this video. MacPhail Center for Music,  501 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 (Near the Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater) 612.321.0100.

C.  Voice Lessons

RCHS vocal music students are are encouraged to take private voice lessons outside of the school setting. Excellent private vocal training can be obtained from voice teachers at The Music Connection in Forest Lake, MN. Their telephone number is 651-464-5252. Mr. Montzka is happy to provide recommendations on individual voice instructors.

D.  Violin Lessons

Studying a string instrument is an excellent way to improve your musical education. My daughter, Ms. Montzka, who is an Orchestra Teacher at the Forest Lake Area Public Schools, is available for private violin (and other string instruments) lessons.  

E.  Joint Band and Choir Participation

A number of  RCHS vocal music students also participate in one of RCHS's excellent and highly rated academic and/or extracurricular bands. It can be beneficial for vocal music students to also participate in band. Learning a band or orchestral instrument can help a student develop into a well-rounded musician. Also, the additional training and experience in music theory, ensemble and performance is helpful.  

F.  BBC Documentary: Learn to Sing: Step-by-Step Guides

The British Broadcasting Corporation has developed a brief course on singing.  

II. Specific Material for Members of the Junior High Choir.

To Be Announced.

Please check back later for additional music that the Junior High Choir may be rehearsing during the 2023 - 2024 school year.

III. Specific Material for Members of the Concert Choir

To Be Announced.

Please check back later for additional music that the Concert Choir may be rehearsing during the 2023-2024 school year.

2017 photograph of Seniors singing solos with the Concert Choirat its performance for the RCHS Graduation Ceremony on June 4, 2017.

IV. Specific Material for Members of the Vocal Jazz Choir. 

To Be Announced.

Please check back later for additional music that the Vocal Jazz Choir may be rehearsing during the 2023-2024 school year.