Best school music programs? (St. Paul, Apple Valley: education, cities, top)

[judahgable]

Hi --

I'd like to know which schools / school districts in, say, a 30 mile radius around St. Paul have reputations for particular excellence in music. I'm thinking about as far east as Hudson, as far north as Forest Lake, as far west as Hopkins, as far south as Lakeville, and all points in between.

Thanks.

JG

[golfgal]

Band--ROSEMOUNT, no question

Orchestra-Sibley High School, Mendota Heights/West St. Paul

[judahgable]

Thanks. Any idea about jazz programs?

[Minnehahapolitan]

If you are really into music you may want to look into the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley, I don't know a whole lot about it but i think it has a wonderful reputation.
mcae.k12.mn.us

[guinness212]

I grew up in Farmington, and I loved the area! It is close enough to the cities, while still being far enough away from them also. I am not quite sure on their sports now a days, however I do know they have a fantastic Jazz program. Their director is absolutly awesome, and he has worked with numerous top jazz programs in the state, such as the Minnesota Orchestra, Cedar Ave Big Band, and Jazz Minnesota Big Band. When I was attending the school, I was never in the band, however I do remember them winning quite a few awards throughout the state (granted that was a few years ago). It is something to check out! Good luck with finding a home!!!!

[golfgal]

Rosemount has an award winning Jazz program as well. We have 3 full-time band directors, a 200+ student marching band, 2-9th grade concert bands, 2-10th grade concert bands, an outstanding wind ensemble, symphonic band, etc. There are over 600 students in the band program at the high school. Every year there are many, many student chosen from our high school for various honor bands around the state. It is without a doubt the best overall band program in the state.

http://www.district196.org/rhs/band/

Here is the band website. It will give you a lot of good information about what is available, etc. The kids are gearing up right now for a concert tour in China leaving at the end of March.

[oboe24601]

I'd say the best is Eastview in Apple Valley, but seriously, the whole district has a fantastic music program!

[oboe24601]

Sibley and Mendota have orchestra?! I was always bummed that 196 doesn't have orchestra...oh well, they make up for it ten-fold!

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by oboe24601

I'd say the best is Eastview in Apple Valley, but seriously, the whole district has a fantastic music program!

Um, Rosemont knocks the pants off the Eastview band at everything, sorry-the district overall is very good though.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by oboe24601

Sibley and Mendota have orchestra?! I was always bummed that 196 doesn't have orchestra...oh well, they make up for it ten-fold!

Sibley is in Mendota Heights, Mendota isn't a separate school.