Music Department

In sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, students in music explore and build their music skills through various student-chosen classes.

Course Descriptions

Beginning Band

This course is designed for students that have little or no experience playing a band instrument. Students will learn how to play an instrument and have opportunities to play together, or in small groups, or alone. Students will learn basic music theory and will be introduce to different types of music. Students will perform at winter or spring Concert as required by the principal. 

Beginning Strings

This course is designed for students that have little or no experience playing a string instrument. Students will learn how to play an instrument and have opportunities to play together, or in small groups, or alone. Students will learn basic music theory and will be introduce to different types of music. Students will perform at winter or spring concert as required by principal.

Advanced Strings

This course is designed for students that have played for 1-2 years. Students will further their playing abilities and learn how to play in various positions. Students will perform at  winter or  spring concert, and community events as required by the principal.  

Music Exploration

This is a General Music class which students will learn basic music theory and learn how to play instruments like the keyboard or guitar. They will work independently. Grade 5 students will have opportunities to sing from songbook for their grade level. 

Intermediate (Varsity) Band

This course is designed for students that made it to marching band from beginning band. Students will learn more challenging music and music theory. Ensemble playing is required. Students perform at a winter or spring concert, parades, and community events as required by the principal.  

Concert (Advanced) Band

This course is designed for students that successfully completed varsity band. Students will learn more advanced music, sight reading, and music theory. Ensemble playing is required. Concert band members are leaders, so they will help beginning and varsity band students are needed. Students will learn basic instrument repair on their chosen instrument. Students will perform at a winter or spring concert, parades, and community events as required by the principal. 

Marching Band & Orchestra

The Marching Band is a group of students from Intermediate and Advanced bands who participate in community events when invited.. The band has participated in the following events: The Torchlight Parade during the Winter Carnival, the Saint Paul School Patrol Parade, Cinco de Mayo, the Saint Patrick's Day Parade, the new Twins Stadium and at a special Airspace Minnesota event at Fort Snelling. The band still participates with the Saint Paul School Patrol Parade, Harvest Day Parade, and Water Fest Day.

The String players consist of Beginning Strings and Advanced Strings. The Advanced String players have been invited to play at events such as The Marvelous Mittens (at the District Office), Eastside Businesses (Carpetner's Union, Train Depot) , MN Sinfonia, and has performed for specal events when aerospace events occur in school.