Fine Arts

Singers

This select choir develops vocal skills, including sight-reading, tone quality and artistic interpretation. The Singers perform locally and in alternate years take an extensive concert tour. Music of all periods is studied and performed including a cappella and accompanied literature. Students must have a good sense of pitch, a basic knowledge of music and the ability to read and carry a part. Grading criteria include basic theory, concert attendance, and concert reports.

 

Mens’ Choir

Music sung in the Men’s Choir will represent a wide variety of styles and periods. Development of vocal methods and musicianship will be emphasized. In addition to Christmas and Spring Concerts and the Madrigal Dinner, the ensemble may also lead in worship and/or perform at other various functions. This class is a prerequisite for Singers and auditions are held each spring. Students may repeat this class as often as they wish. Depending on enrollment, Mens' Choir may be combined with Women’s Chorale.

 

Women’s Chorale

Music sung in the Women’s Chorale will represent a wide variety of styles and periods. Development of vocal methods and musicianship will be emphasized. In addition to Christmas and Spring Concerts and the Madrigal Dinner, the ensemble may also lead in worship and/or perform at other various functions. This class is a prerequisite for Singers and auditions are held each spring. Students may repeat this class as often as they wish. Depending on enrollment, Women’s Chorale may be combined with Mens’ Choir.

 

Madrigal Singers

Hear ye! Hear ye!

The Minnehaha Madrigal Singers provides a fun challenge for eighteen of the school’s finest vocalists. We explore many of the beautiful songs from the Renaissance period and work to develop a superior vocal blend and performance ethic. The main focus of the group is the annual Madrigal Dinner held each February. The gym is transformed into Minnehaha Manor and 700 guests enjoy an authentic feast, play and concert over the two performances. Members of the three MA choirs also participate fully in this showcase event. The Madrigal Singers serve at various community and school events which afford us the opportunity to explore different a cappella styles of music.

Rehearsals are held each Tuesday and Thursday 7:40 – 8:30 a.m. in the choir room. Although our main focus is the madrigal dinner we also participate in homecoming activities, choral concerts, contest, and several community events throughout the year.
Any student enrolled in Singers is eligible to audition each May. Vocal Skill, sight-reading, dramatic readings and improvs make up this audition.

Director
Karen Lutgen
lutgenkaren@minnehahaacademy.net

Symphonic Winds

Students in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble are selected by audition to participate in this upper level music course.  Class time is focused on mastering advanced band literature and applying music theory and history lessons that inform the way this repertoire is learned.  Each student is further challenged by taking 6 individual lessons each semester that focus on learning techniques specific to their abilities and needs.  Performance is a key aspect of this course; all students play in  Pep Band, formal concerts and school chapel services.  The group takes a concert/study trip on alternating years.

 

Orchestra

Orchestra is open to all Upper School string players. Students play a variety of orchestral literature representing different styles and time periods. In addition to class rehearsal, students participate weekly in symphony orchestra rehearsal with winds, brass, and percussion and also complete individual lessons on their instrument. The Orchestra takes an extensive concert tour in alternating years.

 

Chamber Orchestra

The Chamber Orchestra is an enrichment group that meets on Friday mornings during zero hour.  Students in the Chamber Orchestra prepare advanced small ensemble literature and are often invited to perform at special events throughout the year.

 

Symphony Orchestra

Members of the string orchestra are joined by woodwind, brass and percussion players every Wednesday morning during zero hour to create a full symphony orchestra.  The Symphony Orchestra plays classic symphonic repertoire and performs at four concerts during the academic year.

 

Pep Band

The Minnehaha Academy Pep Band performs for fall and winter varsity home athletic events. All members of the Concert Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble are also members of the Pep Band. Band members commit to a set number of events each season from a list provided by the band directors. Pep band is a terrific way to support our school, play fun pop tunes and have a great time in the stands. Go Big Red!

 

Jazz Band

Minnehaha Academy Jazz Bands provide the opportunity to play a variety of musical styles ranging from swing to Latin to rock. In addition to learning the fundamentals of playing in different styles, students learn the basics of improvisation. Any student enrolled in Concert Band or Symphonic Wind Ensemble is encouraged to participate. Minnehaha Academy currently has two jazz bands and placement is determined by audition.

Both Jazz Ensembles rehearse Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:40 – 8:25 a.m., in the band room and chapel. We perform for Homecoming Coronation, Fall Band Concert, Jazz Festival, Pop Concert and other special events throughout the school year.

 

Concert Band

Concert Band is open to all instrumental music students. Requirements include commitment to individual practice, rehearsals and performances and participation in Pep Band. This group studies the fundamentals of good technique and musicianship and performs a wide variety of quality literature. Grading requirements include lessons or sectionals, concert reports and participation in all band events.

 

Directors

Diane Hallberg
hallbergdiane@minnehahaacademy.net

Ryan Larson
larsonryan@minnehahaacademy.net

We strive to do excellent work that honors God and serves our students. We make use of each student’s God given talents to put on the most exciting, rewarding and often times thought provoking shows possible. Theatre is about the process and working collaboratively to help one another discover their artistic voices and become leaders to those around them. We tell stories that help teach and hopefully inspire audience members to think twice about choices in their lives.

Fall Musical- Bright Star

October 25, 26, 27

 

Past Productions

• Working, Spring 2018
• US (MA Players original), Fall 2017
• Much Ado About Nothing, Spring 2017
• Urinetown, Fall 2016
• Godspell, Spring 2016
• The Miracle Worker, Fall 2015
• Treasure Island, Spring 2015
• 5th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee , Fall 2014
• Seussical the Musical , Spring 2014
• Anatomy of Gray, Fall 2013
• Twelfth Night, Spring 2013
• Big River, Fall 2012
• Honk!, Spring 2012
• Dear Finder, Fall 2011
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Spring 2011
• Little Shop of Horrors, Fall 2010
• Into the Woods, Spring 2010
• The Diviners, Fall 2010
• Fools, Spring 2009
• Proof, Fall 2008
• Beauty and the Beast, Spring 2008
• Sabrina Fair, Fall 2007
• Dearly Departed, Summer 2007
• As You Like It, May 2007
• And Then There Were None, October 2006
• Singin’ In The Rain, May 2006

 

Director

Nicholas Freeman
freemannicholas@MinnehahaAcademy.net

Upper School students may select from a wide variety of Visual Arts including drawing, painting, graphic design, sculpture, film and photography.