Fine Arts

Arts thrive at Minnehaha – and so do our artists.

Minnehaha’s Fine Arts program has long been celebrated for its excellence.

Being part of Fine Arts at Minnehaha is not just about fostering talent. It’s about experiencing art, enjoying art, and developing an appreciation for art that will last a lifetime. Your child will gain from the instruction and inspiration of highly trained and skilled faculty who not only teach, but practice their art in a professional setting. The curriculum is designed to foster self-worth and creative expression as it integrates faith and learning. 

At Minnehaha, every student is an artist. Throughout Lower School, our students sing, perform, draw, paint, sculpt, and make pottery. Band instrument instruction begins in the fifth grade, and Suzuki string instruction is available as early as Kindergarten. In Middle School, students choose from yearlong programs in choir, band, and strings, along with classes in art, theatre, and general music. These courses prepare students for the many Upper School arts opportunities available in choral groups, bands, orchestra, and theatre, as well as visual arts classes in drawing and painting, graphic design, photography, film, sculpture, and ceramics. 

The school calendar is filled with art exhibitions, concerts and theater events throughout the year, so you can see your child shine.

"The arts have the power to reveal the goodness and grace of God...And children's artistic expressions are awesome vehicles to... usher us into God's presence." Rev. Dr. Donna Harris, President

Visual Arts

Painting and drawing, pottery and sculpture, your child will experience the wide variety of visual arts. A visual arts education begins in preschool and continues through the Upper School. 

Students learn a variety of techniques from Minnehaha faculty as well as guest instructors who are professionals in their field of study.

Minnehaha faculty will often incorporate arts into other fields of study to develop engaging and creative lessons that mix the arts with history, math, music, or language.

Music

Your child will flourish in the arts as they discover the joy and beauty of creating and sharing music under the guidance of our caring and inspiring music teachers.

Preschoolers are welcomed into the world of music with songs integrated in learning as they go about their day. They are introduced to simple music instruments, discover the joy of using their voice and learn about rhythm in fun, accessible activities in the classroom.

Lower School students will have hands-on discovery lessons in their music class, where they are introduced to new music styles. In Lower School your child will learn how to play the African drums, move with rhythm, and learn how they can control their voice to sing in harmony with others.

As your child grows, so will their musical abilities and opportunities. Starting in fifth grade, students can select a band or orchestral instrument and participate in lessons and group practice and performance. Middle Schoolers can join jazz band and play during a variety of milestone events at Minnehaha.

In Upper School, the sky is the limit! Your child may choose from  a variety of choral and instrumental groups, surrounded by peers and instructors who love music as much as they do. Our musical groups perform in local, national, and international venues that provide new opportunities to discover the world of performance and music. Local professionals also are invited to guest instruct musical ensembles, which offers new and exciting experiences for our students to grow in their potential.

Theatre

Your child will have the opportunity to discover the joy of storytelling through theatre starting in preschool. As they grow, the theatre opportunities will grow and develop with them, offering new challenges along the way.

Whether students find themselves on stage or behind the scenes, students are working on crucial team building skills. Understanding the human condition while getting into character, honing their listening skills, and learning to react off of one another are all ways students work to tell deeper stories. Finding innovative ways to use technology and design to enhance these stories is another way we engage student technicians. They can learn about lighting, sound design, and costuming starting in Middle School.

But it isn't only about developing transferrable skills-our theatre students have fun! Whether on stage or behind the scenes, there is a space for each child to shine. Theatre is a place of belonging for our students.

Theatre students learn from instructors who are professionals in the field. Upper School theatre students have received numerous accolades for their performances, and are regularly recognized with top honors through the Spotlight Program of the Hennepin Theatre Trust. Many MA Players have been selected as Triple Threat winners as well.