Focuses on teaching the essentials of jazz, including rhythm, improvisation, and ensemble performance, allowing students to experience the vibrant, spontaneous nature of jazz music. This class requires that musicians can read sheet music.

For students new to music to work on building foundational skills in playing an instrument. 

Ensembles offered historically include: percussion, guitar, woodwind

Ensembles are offered on a rotating schedule at the music departments discretion. 

This is a hands-on, interactive, high-energy course that will focus on daily dancing and instrument playing of the Appalachian folk tradition.  Students spend approximately half of each period dancing, and half of each period learning to play instruments. Students also participate in community dances at the Duluth Folk School.

Gives more advanced students a chance to practice at a higher level, refine their skills, and participate in performances that showcase their talent. This after school program requires students have participated in at least one semester of String Band and Dance. 

Varsity String Band is lead by Ms. Bran Forsman, HCIS Science teacher, and local Musician (Four Mile Portage).