Elementary Orchestra

Beginning 4th grade orchestra students receive 25-minute small-group lessons once every five days. Lessons are a pull-out from the regular daily schedule in rotation so that the same class is not missed every week. Practice is a necessary element to success in orchestra. Our practice requirement is 100 minutes per lesson. Every child will have orchestra homework (practice) for EVERY lesson. It is the parent’s responsibility to establish the practice routine. i.e. practice “spot” and regular time, along with checking their child’s orchestra binder routinely for notices from teachers and lesson assignments. Essential Elements 2000, Book 1, is the method book used, along with First Things First, by Frost. Large-group rehearsal are added in late winter before and/or after school to give students the experience of playing in an orchestra.

5th Grade Orchestra students (2nd year players) meet 3 times every 2 weeks for a 50-minute orchestra class, and also have a 25-minute group lesson.

5th graders learn how to behave in an orchestra setting, how to follow the conductor’s baton, and how to tune an instrument. They study complex rhythms and counting. Essential Elements 2000, Book 2, is used in class and lessons, along with Strings Extraordinaire by Monday & McAllister.

All students participate in two required concerts, one in the late fall, and one in early May. 5th Graders also play in a small ensemble recital in late February or March.

Ms. Huttlin

•Teaches Orchestra and Band at Scenic Heights, Minnewashta & Excelsior

•Bachelors Degree from Michigan State University

•Went to University of Minnesota for Grad School

•Has previously taught in Berlin and in a German Immersion School.

•Parents are also both music teachers!

•Has a pet rock

•Enjoys reading, traveling, performing and composing.

Ms. Thomas

Bio Pending

Mr. Ginkel

Jase Ginkel is the Director of the Clear Springs Band and Orchestra programs. He has been teaching in Minnetonka Public Schools for nine years as of the ’22-’23 school year. During his tenure, Mr. Ginkel has been engaged in three different Minnetonka schools and has taught classroom music, band, orchestra, and choir. Mr. Ginkel is also one of the vocal directors for Minnetonka’s elementary musical and has most recently worked with the Groveland cast.

Education

Mr. Ginkel earned his Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music Education with a minor in Jazz Studies from Winona State University. In 2021 he achieved his Master of Arts degree in Educational Technologies from Concordia University – St. Paul.

The Reason Behind What We Do

Jase hopes to ignite a passion for music in his students giving them lifelong skills, community, and a sense of fulfillment.

Ms. Feland