​Elementary Orchestra

Beginning 4th grade orchestra students receive 25-minute small group lessons once every six days. Lessons are in the format of a pull-out from the regular school day schedule in rotation so that the same class is not missed every week. Practice is a necessary element to success in orchestra, and parents play a crucial role in helping students schedule a special time and “spot” at home for that practice. At each lesson, the orchestra teacher will help students know what to practice for that week.  

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. 

Mary Beth Huttlin

MaryBeth Huttlin is the Director of the Orchestra and Band programs at Scenic Heights. The 2026-2027 school year marks her 17th year teaching in the Minnetonka Public Schools. Previously, she assisted at an elementary school in Berlin, Germany, and returned to Minnesota to teach music in German for two years at a German immersion school in St. Paul. Several years later, she returned to Germany to do an intensive study of the life and music of JS Bach, with the wider connection to bringing his works and the masterworks of many other composers to younger students.

Ms. Huttlin earned a Bachelor of Music degree at Michigan State University, and completed her Master’s degree and doctorate at the University of Minnesota, specializing in performance and pedagogy with a secondary area in music theory/composition. She continues to perform with several ensembles in the Midwest and is highly sought after as a teaching artist, offering educational performances and presentations throughout the country.

Jase Ginkel

Jase Ginkel is the Director of the Clear Springs Band and Orchestra programs. He has been teaching in Minnetonka Public Schools for twelve years as of the ‘25-’26 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.

Lissa Thomas

Lissa Thomas is the orchestra teacher at Excelsior and Minnewashta Elementary Schools. Before joining Minnetonka, she spent 20 years building and leading successful Suzuki violin studios in Plymouth, Minnesota, and Concord, New Hampshire.

Education

Mrs. Thomas holds degrees in Violin Performance and Music Education from Northern Arizona University and completed long-term Suzuki Teacher Training as part of her education.

The Reason Behind What We Do

Mrs. Thomas is passionate about helping students develop life skills through music. She believes that every child can learn and grow through a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Her goal is to foster not only musical excellence but also confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Rachel Tisdale

Rachel Tisdale is the current 4th and 5th-grade orchestra teacher at both Groveland Elementary and Deephaven Elementary. She started teaching in Minnetonka Public Schools in 2024. During her time here, she has worked to grow the elementary school orchestra programs. Prior to teaching in Minnetonka, she spent 10 years teaching 5th- 8th grade orchestra in central Minnesota. She is also a performing member of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra.

Education

Ms. Tisdale earned her Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University in 2018. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Concordia University.

The Reason Behind What We Do

Ms. Tisdale is passionate about fostering a sense of community by highlighting how music connects and enhances various aspects of daily life. She really enjoys seeing how music and sports influence each other.  

Fun Fact

Ms. Tisdale has been involved in both music ensembles and track and field since 7th grade - as a musician, athlete, coach, and official.

Elementary School Concerts 2026-27

• December 8, Groveland and Deephaven 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Groveland North Gym

• December 15, Minnewashta 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Minnewashta West Gym

• December 17, Excelsior 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Excelsior Auditorium

• January 19, Clear Springs 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Clear Springs Gym

• February 8, Scenic Heights 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Scenic Heights Gym

• May 11, Scenic Heights 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Scenic Heights Gym

• May 18, Clear Springs 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Clear Springs Gym

• May 18, Minnewashta 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Minnewashta West Gym

• May 18, Groveland 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Groveland North Gym

• May 18, Deephaven 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Groveland North Gym

• May 20, Excelsior 4th and 5th Grade Orchestra Concert, Excelsior Auditorium