Middle School Orchestra

The orchestra program at Minnetonka Middle School East and West involves nearly 250 orchestra students in grades six through eighth grade. The program includes grade-level orchestras, which rehearse every other day during the school day. Students have the opportunity to participate in outside school groups such as the District Middle School Honor Orchestra and small ensembles. Throughout their middle school years, students have the opportunity to participate in various supplemental activities such as trips to hear the Minnesota Orchestra in Orchestra Hall, community-building retreats, and visits from professional musicians in the area.

The 7th and 8th-grade orchestras have consistently earned “Superior” ratings at the Minnesota String Teacher Association (MNSOTA) Middle Level Orchestra Festival. In addition, each year, several 7th and 8th Grade Minnetonka students audition for and are selected to participate in the MNSOTA State Middle-Level Honors Orchestra, which performs at the Convention Center in Downtown Minneapolis. Many middle school students take private lessons outside of school and participate in area youth symphony programs, including the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTYCS) and Minnesota Youth Symphony Orchestras.

Director Daniel Ericksen
MME/MMW 6th - 8th Grade Orchestras

Daniel Ericksen directs orchestras in both MME and MMW. He has taught for Minnetonka Public Schools for nine years, starting the school year ‘23-24. During his time here, he has directed various orchestras in grades six through 8th-grade orchestras at MME and MMW. Mr. Ericksen also conducts the Minnetonka Philharmonic Orchestra through MCEC and performs in the cello section of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

Education

Mr. Ericksen earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana University, Jacob School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. He earned his Master of Arts in Differentiated Instruction from Concordia University – St. Paul in June of 2021. He studied cello with Peter Howard, Sharon Robinson, and Benjamin Karp.

The Reason Behind What We Do

Mr. Ericksen strives to teach young musicians the challenges and rewards of putting together beautiful and exciting music.

Director Dr. Emily Heuschele
MMW 6-8th Grade Orchestras

Emily Heuschele directs Minnetonka High School's Orchestra 9 and also teaches orchestra at Minnetonka Middle School West. Prior to joining Minnetonka Public Schools, she taught orchestra grades 5-12 in Chippewa Falls, WI, and 6-12 in Eau Claire, WI, where she redesigned the beginning string curriculum, incorporated composition and improvisation, and created eclectic string ensembles. She worked as an Arts TOSA for Minneapolis Public Schools, supporting arts integration, community arts partnerships, and professional development. Most recently, she has served on the faculty of the University of Minnesota School of Music, teaching music education methods and supervising student teachers. Throughout her career, she has remained active in her communities as a performer, adjudicator, and clinician, and she presents regularly on string education topics at the local, state, and national levels.

Education

Dr. Heuschele earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and a Master’s of Music and Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Minnesota. Her primary violin teachers were Marilyn Bos, Nobuyoshi Yasuda, and David Perry. She also studied string pedagogy through the String Development program and the National String Workshop at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She completed registered Suzuki training books 1-4 through graduate study with Mark Bjork and through the summer American Suzuki Institute in Steven’s Point, WI. She uses comprehensive string pedagogy to support the development of creative, healthy musicians in a multitude of styles.

Minnetonka Philharmonic Orchestra | MME/MMW

Minnetonka Middle School Orchestra students are invited to participate in the Minnetonka Philharmonic Orchestra. The ensemble is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are currently enrolled in orchestra classes at MME or MMW. Students will be accepted into the group based on an audition during the 3rd or 4th week of school. Announcements and sign-ups for auditions are made in class; however, communication regarding auditions and program details are sent via email to students and parents/guardians.