Welcome to the Music at Hidden River page! General information about our program can be found below. Please contact emma.fischer@spps.org with any and all questions related to music at Hidden River.

OVERVIEW

Music at Hidden River is run by Tr. Emma Fischer. 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
• Music Exploration (General Music)

BANDS

Beginning Band (click for syllabus) 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 (click for syllabus) 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 (click for syllabus) 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. Advanced Band will also perform in Grand Old Day this year. 

Beginning Percussion is tentatively planning to perform at the Minnesota Percussion Association's February Festival. Dates and times will be announced as soon as they are available. 

ORCHESTRAS

Beginning Orchestra (click for syllabus) 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 (click for syllabus) 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. 

MUSIC EXPLORATION

Music Exploration (click for syllabus) is a general music course that explores the intersection of music, culture, and identity. Students will study topics ranging from modern and classical genres, the role of music in history, music production and technology, songwriting, and basic vocal and instrumental performance skills. 

Music Exploration students do not perform in any concerts, but some in-class performance takes place in reflection of the Minnesota State Standards in Music. Students who want to perform should tell Tr. Fischer and they can plan to include individual students and small ensembles in concerts.

MORE INFORMATION (links coming soon)

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