Music

The Hopkins music department provides quality music education for all learners, serving as the foundation for life-long learning, creativity, and performance.

Hopkins High School offers many levels of curricular and co-curricular ensembles in band, orchestra and choir, as well as a multi-level guitar and piano program.

In the music production studio, students can take Song Writing, Music Production and DJ Techniques courses to learn using current technology and techniques.

Curricular offerings are listed in the Hopkins High School Registration guide and are updated each year. Below are the co-curricular and extra curricular music making opportunities available throughout the year. If you have questions, please contact the director or advisor of the co/extracurricular ensemble.

Music Programming

Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra

This advanced small ensemble is open to anyone who plays the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Placement into the ensemble is by audition in the fall. Students should sign up for an audition in room W187. Students will have the opportunity to perform at orchestra concerts and possibly within the community.

Advisor/Orchestra Director: Alison Swiggum
When: Twice a week before school throughout the school year
Where: W187
Fees: Performance Attire

HHS orchestra at the graduation ceremony

The Lean Mean Performance Machine performs in the Hopkins High School gym.

Band

Pep Band (Lean Mean Performance Machine)

Lean Mean Performance Machine (LMPM) is the HHS pep ban that plays for many Hopkins District athletic games and events. Made up of 7th through 12th graders, rehearsals are weekly on Tuesday evening. Performances include 16 athletic events, many post-season games, and several district performances.

Director: Nora Tycast
When: Tuesday and Friday nights from August to March
Where: Band Room or athletic venue
Fees: $110 covers uniforms and instructors

Pep Band Drumline

The Pep Band Drumline is part of the pep band (LMPM) that plays with the pep band at many athletic and district events. Made up of 7th through 12th graders, rehearsals are Tuesday nights (with pep band) and Thursday nights wuth a dedicated drumline instructor. Performances include 16 athletic events and many post-season games.

Auditions and Placement happen in late August/early September.
When: Tuesday and Thursday nights from August to November, varied schedule in the winter
Where: Band Room or athletic venue
Fees: $110 covers uniforms and instructors, additional purchases for sticks and ear protection

Winter Drumline

The Hopkins St. Louis Park Winter Drumline is a cooperation between both Hopkins High School and St. Louis Park High School to create an indoor winter drumline for all interested 7th-12th grade students.

Auditions and Placement happen in late October/early November. This ensemble is open to all 8th-12th grade students at both Hopkins High School and St. Louis Park High School.
When: Varied evenings 7-9 p.m. from November to February
Where: Band Room or athletic venue
Fees: $75 covers uniforms and instructors, transportation to performances. Additional purchases for sticks and ear protection required.

Hopkins St. Louis Park Summer Marching Band

The Hopkins St. Louis Park Winter Marching Band is a cooperation between both Hopkins High School and St. Louis Park High School to create a summer marching band serving the communities of Hopkins and St. Louis Park.

Directors: Nora Tycast and Annaliese Heim
When: Tuesday evenings from late April to early June
Where: Band Room or athletic venue
Fees: $75 covers uniforms and instructors and transportation to parades.

Jazz Two

Women In Jazz

Women in Jazz is a Jazz ensemble for female and non-binary identifying 9th-12th graders in the HHS band program who play a jazz instrument (alto/tenor/baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar and drum set.) Auditions may be held for some rhythm section positions.

Director: Nora Tycast, co-directed by a student

When: 1 morning a week before school

Where: Band Room

Fees: None

Choir

Sirens

The Royal Blues

TTBB Ensemble

Music Production Opportunities

DJ

Club de guitarra española

New in 2024! An after school guitar experience/affinity group for students interested in or familiar with music from Central and South American cultures including, but not limited to, Mariachi, Cumbia, or corridos tumbados. Instruction is available for beginning through advanced students and instruments are available for use.

Advisor/Director: Jon Feulner
When: TBA
Where: Inquire in the Music Department

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