- Westonka Public Schools
- Music Education
Music in Westonka
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Music education in Westonka Public Schools is a core discipline, essential to the growth and development of all students. The Westonka music staff believe that a music education for all children is vital for its aesthetic, historical, cultural and educational value. The K-12 music program strives to provide students the opportunity to create, perform and respond to music through a variety of experiences and activities.
The goal of the Westonka music department is to make special contributions to each child’s creative development, and team building and cooperative learning skills. In addition, music knowledge and performance helps increase critical thinking skills, concentration, self-discipline and self-expression.
Music in the Schools
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Primary School Music
Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools use two basic approaches to teaching music education: Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly. They are considered best practices in developing a child's musical skill and repertoire.
The Orff Schulwerk Approach of music education uses very rudimentary forms of everyday activity for the purpose of music creation by music students. It is a "child-centered" way of learning that treats music as a basic system, like language. Just as every child can learn language without formal instruction, so can every child learn music by a gentle and friendly approach.
The Kodály Concept is a way of developing musical skills and teaching musical concepts beginning in very young children. This method uses folk songs, Curwen hand signs, pictures, movable-do, rhythm symbols and syllables.
Musical Celebrations
Grandfriends’ Day
Primary school Grandfriends' Day celebrations feature grade-level vocal concerts for grandparents and special friends.
Operetta
The Operetta has been a Westonka tradition since 1978. It is a great opportunity for students in grades 2-4 to audition, rehearse and perform a musical as an after school activity. The Operetta happens every three years at Hilltop and Shirley Hills.
Musical Excursions
As an extension of the music classroom, both Hilltop and Shirley Hills expose students to live music performances through field trips to Orchestra Hall or the Ordway. This allows students to witness
and experience music in a new and exciting way. Not only learning about the instruments of the orchestra but also seeing people play them in real life has been a wonderful opportunity for them.Variety Show
Every student has the opportunity to audition for and participate in a variety show at both elementary schools. This is a fun chance for students to show their unique talents and interests while gaining confidence through performance.
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Middle School Music
Grandview Middle School students take elective band and choir classes.
Middle Singers
Middle Singers is an auditioned ensemble open to any 5th, 6th, or 7th grade student at Grandview. This ensemble does community outreach in the Westonka area, bringing singing and music to many local organizations.
Middle Level Band Contest
Instrumentalists in grades 5-7, as well as eighth-graders from Mound Westonka High School, compete in the West Metro Middle Level Solo and Ensemble Festival each spring. Judges listen to each performance critically, and then share written and oral feedback with each soloist or ensemble.
Annual Musical
Grandview students put on a musical each spring at the Westonka Performing Arts Center.
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High School Music
Students at Mound Westonka High School take elective band and choir courses that build on skills taught at the elementary and middle school levels. MWHS band and choir programs have active parent booster groups that work to financially support the purchase of instruments and music, honors opportunities and tours.
- Concert Band (grade 8)
- Symphonic Band (grades 9-12)
- Wind Ensemble (grades 10-12, audition required)
- Bel Canto (grades 8-12)
- Cantabile (grades 8-12)
- Concert Choir (grades 9-12, audition required)
Pep Band
The MWHS Pep Band supports the school community through performances at sporting events, as well as at pep fests, parades and student celebrations assemblies.
Jazz Band
The MWHS Jazz Band is an auditioned, extra-curricular band that performs jazz and popular music. Jazz Band annually performs three concerts and participates in various festivals, as well as the Section Jazz Band Contest.
Fall Musical
Each fall, the Mound Westonka High School band and choir programs come together to put on a fall musical. The musicians are continually honored by the Hennepin Theatre Trust with Spotlight Musical Theatre Awards.
Madd Jazz
Madd Jazz is a 12-member auditioned, extra-curricular vocal jazz ensemble that performs jazz and other popular music. Madd Jazz carols extensively in the community during the winter holiday season, including weekly appearances at Lord Fletchers. They perform at all MWHS Choir concerts throughout the year, at the Region 2AA Solo/Ensemble Contest and at other community events.
Band Council
The MWHS Band Council is a student leadership program made up of students who are trained in communication, teamwork and leadership. The council serves the band program as section leaders and student directors.
Contacts
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Mark Femrite
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
(952) 491-8002Mound Westonka High School
Gretchen Chilson, Band Director
(952) 491-8176
Kelly Newell, Choir Director
(952) 491-8264Grandview Middle School
Gretchen Chilson, Band Director
(952) 491-8176
Roger Whaley, Band Director
(952) 491-8338
Freya Klein, Choir Director
(952) 491-8337Shirley Hills Primary School
Melissa Bray, Music Teacher
(952) 491-8420Hilltop Primary School
Theresa Schmidt, Music Teacher
(952) 491-8532
