Music

Every student at Hidden River has a place in our music program, regardless of past experience and musical background. 

Students have the opportunity to enroll in:

• Beginning Percussion
• Beginning or Advanced Band
• Beginning or Advanced Orchestra
• Choir
• Beginning Guitar
• Music Exploration (General Music)

BANDS

Beginning Band is intended for new band students and returning students who want to learn a different instrument. Students have the opportunity to learn flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium/baritone, or tuba. Percussion (drums) are NOT an option in Beginning Band – students interested in percussion should enroll in Beginning Percussion. The first year of band focuses heavily on developing fundamental instrumental techniques, as well as basic musicianship skills. 

Beginning Percussion is intended for new students who want to become percussionists. Instruction will focus heavily on snare drum and keyboard percussion (xylophone/bells). Students will also learn to play the other instruments in the percussion section, including: bass drum, timpani, cymbals, tambourine, triangle, and other auxiliary instruments.

Advanced Band  is designed for students who have at least one year of playing experience and who have mastered the skills learned in beginning band. In advanced band, students continue to develop the fundamental skills introduced in beginning band with an increased focus on ensemble performance skills. 

Both bands perform in two concerts, one in the winter and one in the spring. Advanced Band performs an additional concert in March as part of the Tri-School Concert at Central High School. 

Dates and times will be announced as soon as they are available. 

ORCHESTRAS

Beginning Orchestra is intended for students who are learning a string instrument for the first time. Students will choose to learn the violin, viola, cello, or bass. The first year of string instruction focuses heavily on developing a healthy left hand set-up, right hand set-up, and basic musicianship skills. 

Advanced Orchestra is designed for students who have at least one year of playing experience and who have mastered the skills learned in beginning orchestra. In advanced orchestra, students continue to develop the fundamental skills introduced in beginning orchestra with an increased focus on ensemble performance skills. 

Both orchestras perform in two concerts, one in the winter and one in the spring. Advanced Orchestra performs an additional concert in March as part of the Tri-School Concert at Central High School. 

CHOIR

Choir at Hidden River is an excellent opportunity for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade scholars to participate in the vocal arts. If students have experience singing, or would like to learn how, any student is welcome to join! 

Students are able to put their voices together to foster a positive and empathetic community. These singers gain comprehensive skills including reading music, using their voice to express themselves, ensemble singing, and music fundamentals. The Choir prepares to sing songs for the fall and spring concerts.

BEGINNING GUITAR 

Beginning Guitar is designed to teach 7th and 8th grade students the fundamentals of playing the guitar. Guitarists will learn how to play different chords, read tablature, and be able to master the basics of the instrument. Students will learn fundamental skills such as composing and playing technique in an ensemble. Students will learn how to play the guitar for the purpose of performing at a fall or spring concert as an ensemble.

MUSIC EXPLORATION

Music Exploration is a 6th grade general music course that explores the intersection of music, culture, and identity. Students will study music in different ways, such as the role of music in different cultures, music technology and composition, songwriting, and basic vocal and instrumental performance skills. 

Music Exploration students do not perform in any concerts, but there are in-class performances that take place in reflection of the Minnesota State Standards in Music.

 

MORE INFORMATION (links coming soon)

• Equity and Anti-Racism
• Area Lesson Teachers
• Year Calendar