Performing & Visual Arts

World of Music - General Music

6th grade 

World of Music is a semester-long music course open to 6th grade students. Students study music and cultures from countries all over the world and develop active listening skills as well as research skills in the process. Additionally, World of Music students explore music through singing and playing instruments. This course culminates with a student research project as well as a group performance on either the beginning ensembles winter concert or the end of year choir concert, depending on the semester this course is taken. 

Beginning Band 

Zero (0) years of experience. 

Join the Band! Ever wanted to play the flute, trumpet, or drums? Beginning Band is the place to start! This course is for anyone ready to pick up a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument and start making music. Using the Sound Innovations method book, we will go from making our first sounds to performing our first full-band concert.

In this class, you won't just play—you’ll become a musician. Following the Minnesota State Arts Standards, we will: Perform exciting new music as a team. Write and improvise our own short melodies. Learn the "language" of music (theory and terms). Discover how music connects us to the world

Band is a performance-based class, so evening concerts are part of the fun; expect two concerts throughout the year! There is a course fee for materials. 

Note: This ensemble is specifically for woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Piano and guitar are not standard instruments in the Band ensemble. Students interested in piano or guitar are encouraged to seek out private lessons to pursue those interests. If you are interested in playing a string instrument (violin, cello, etc.), please sign up for Orchestra. If you enjoy singing, please register for Choir.

Intermediate Band

Experience: 1–3 years of instrumental experience.

Ready to take your playing to the next level? Intermediate Band is designed for musicians who have mastered the basics and are ready for more challenging music! In this ensemble, we move into more complex rhythms, expanded ranges, and sophisticated styles. We utilize Sound Innovations Book 2 and Ensemble Development for Intermediate Band to build the skills needed for high-level performance.

In this course, students will perform music at a Medium (Level 2.5–3.5) difficulty, similar to MSHSL Level III. Following the Minnesota State Arts Standards, we will: Perform: Develop advanced technique through solo, small ensemble, and large group performances. Create: Expand our musical imagination through intermediate improvisation and composition. Respond: Dive deeper into music theory and terminology to analyze how great music is made. Connect: Explore the cultural and historical significance of the music we rehearse.

Moving Forward: 

Auditions: At the end of the year, 8th and 9th-grade students can audition for the Advanced Band.  Leadership: Students who benefit from additional time mastering these intermediate skills will remain in this ensemble to serve in vital leadership roles, helping mentor newer members while refining their own artistry.

The Fine Print: As a performance-based ensemble, attendance at concerts outside the school day is required; expect three concerts throughout the school year. There is a course fee for materials.

Beginning Choir

Beginning Choir is a year-long treble choir open to 6th grade students with both unchanged and changing voices. Students work on both large group and small group singing skills, and develop fundamentals of vocal health, posture, breathing, tone, blend, music reading, and sight reading. Students develop skills for unison and multi-part singing. Students will learn music both in English and Foreign Languages. Beginning Choir performs at the Beginning Ensembles winter concert as well as the end of year Choir concert. 

Intermediate Choir

Intermediate Ensemble is a year-long mixed voice choir open to students in 7th and 8th grade.  Students work on both large group and small group singing skills, and develop fundamentals of vocal health, posture, breathing, tone, blend, music reading, and sight reading. Students develop skills for unison and multi-part singing. Students will learn music both in English and Foreign Languages. Intermediate Choir performs at the Intermediate Ensembles winter concert, the Sounds of Hope concert in March, and the end of year Choir concert. 

Beginning Orchestra

0 years of experience

Have you ever wanted to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass? Beginning Orchestra is the perfect place to start your journey! This course is designed for students ready to learn a string instrument and experience the power of making music in a group. Using the Habits of a Successful Young String Musician method book, we will go from learning how to hold our instruments to performing our very first concert as a full string ensemble.

In this class, you will do more than just practice notes—you will become a creator and a performer. Following the Minnesota State Arts Standards, we will: Perform: Build foundational technique and learn the joy of playing together in an ensemble. Create: Discover your own musical voice by writing and improvising short melodies. Learn: Master the "language" of music, including reading notes and understanding musical symbols. Connect: Explore how string music has shaped history and connects different cultures today.

Orchestra is a performance-based class, and our evening concerts are the highlights of the year; expect two concerts throughout the school year! Please note that there is a course fee for materials and music.

Note: This ensemble is specifically for orchestral string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass). Piano and guitar are not standard instruments in the Orchestra ensemble. Students interested in piano or guitar are encouraged to seek out private lessons to pursue those interests. If you wish to play a wind, brass, or percussion instrument, please register for Band.If you enjoy singing, please register for Choir.

Intermediate Orchestra

Experience: 1–3 years of instrumental experience. (Please note: this ensemble does not include guitar)

Ready to take your string playing to the next level? Intermediate Orchestra is designed for violin, viola, cello, and bass players who have mastered foundational skills and are ready for more complex and expressive music.

Using Habits of a Successful Middle Level String Musician, we will dive into more advanced bowing techniques, shifting, and ensemble precision. Students will perform music at a Grade Level II or higher. Following the Minnesota State Arts Standards, we will: Perform: Refine technical mastery and expressive playing through solo, small ensemble, and large group performances. Create: Explore musical creativity through intermediate improvisation and original string compositions. Respond: Build a professional "musical toolkit" by mastering music theory and terminology to analyze our repertoire. Connect: Discover the historical and cultural stories behind the music we play and how they relate to our world today.

Moving Forward:

Auditions: At the end of the school year, 8th and 9th-grade students will have the opportunity to audition for the Advanced Orchestra. Leadership: Students who benefit from more time mastering these intermediate concepts will continue in this ensemble. This allows them to step into vital leadership roles, serving as section leaders and mentors while they continue to refine their artistry.

The Fine Print: Orchestra is a performance-based class, and attendance at concerts outside the school day is required; expect three concerts throughout the school year. There is a course fee for materials and music.

6th Grade Art

Sixth Grade Art is a hands-on course that introduces students to the elements and principles of art through creative exploration. Students work with a variety of 2D and 3D materials while learning about artists and art history from different cultures. The class encourages experimentation, skill-building, and confidence in personal expression.

7th Grade Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a digital art course focused on visual communication and design using Canva. Students study typography, color psychology, layout, and advertising to learn how design influences audiences. Projects emphasize clearly and creatively presenting ideas to communicate messages and promote concepts effectively.

8th Grade Art

Eighth Grade Art builds on foundational skills while challenging students to think more deeply about artistic choices and creative problem-solving. Through a range of 2D and 3D projects, students explore the elements and principles of art alongside art history and contemporary artists. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship, creativity, and the development of a personal artistic voice.