(10/30/2024) From viola to flute or timpani to trombone, there’s little question that orchestra provides a full range of options to meet student interests. Introducing students to those options before their middle school years is facilitated through a districtwide field trip for fifth-grade students to experience the Young People’s Concert Series presented by the Minnesota Orchestra.
Why it matters: Anoka-Hennepin offers choir, band and orchestra as options for students starting in grade 6. Raising awareness and knowledge in instrument choices for orchestra while building interest and participation in music is a desired outcome of the field trip experience.
Out of this world: The Minnesota Orchestra coordinates a Young People’s Concert Series each year for students across the state. Anoka-Hennepin students attended sessions on Oct. 23 and 24. Thanks to the generosity of the Minnesota Orchestra and event supporters, this experience is provided at no additional cost to the district or students.
The 2024 concert, titled Orchestra in Orbit, features a series of classical and modern songs with a space theme. Music selections introduce and highlight instrument families such as strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
Student leadership: Anoka High School senior Luca La Hoz Cassalara welcomed students and served as a host emcee for the event. In addition to extensive theater experience at school and regional theatres including the Minnesota Children’s Theatre, Guthrie Theatre, Stages Theater Company and others, Luca serves as a student director on the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation Board amongst other community service activities.
More on the story: Anoka-Hennepin Schools offers orchestra as part of the curriculum for all students in grades 6-12 districtwide and at Lincoln Elementary School For the Arts. The National Association of Music Merchants has named Anoka-Hennepin one of the “best communities for music education” for 10 consecutive years, making it one of nine Minnesota districts to receive the honor last year.
