Instrumental Music

About Instrumental Music

Each student in the Totino-Grace instrumental music program receives individual lessons on their specific instrument from instructors who specialize in the instrument. This ensures individualized instruction for the specific needs of the student, a key reason to the success of the program.
There are four band concerts throughout the year which feature a variety of music from classical to pop. The jazz program has their own concert series, including public performances. Jazz Ensemble I has also been selected as a top ensemble in the state of Minnesota to perform at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.
Company of Singers Combo (the select band that accompanies the varsity show choir) has had national acclaim on their own; with the Company of Singers they won the national title in 2010.
Students have been placed in the MN All-State Bands and Orchestra, an auditioned and highly select ensemble from vocal students throughout the state.
Individual performers (in solos and small ensembles) have received numerous Excellent and Superior ratings, including many "Best-At-Site" awards.
The bands have performed across the country and globe, including Hawaii, Norway, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Malta, and more!
Instructors, in addition to their teaching responsibilities, are also professional performers, guest clinicians, and adjudicators locally and nationally.

Instrumental Music Groups

Get Involved

Musical Pit Orchestra: An ensemble of varying instrumentation that performs for the fall musical production at Totino-Grace, and are consistently recognized by the Hennepin Theatre Spotlight awards for Outstanding Student Orchestra.

Show Choir Combos: A 7-10 piece group with rhythm section and varying instrumental that accompanies the 3 Show Choirs. Company Combo, a highly awarded and recognized ensemble, performs with the varsity show choir 'Company of Singers', Encore Combo performs with the JV show choir 'Encore Singers', and the E-Jams performs with the all-male show choir 'The T-Tones'.

Music Ministers & Praise and Worship: An ensemble of varying instrumentation that plays for Mass.

Chamber Orchestra

'Pizza Rolls' Drumline: Drumline that performs at various sporting events and school functions bringing added energy and excitement to the event.

Ways to Play

Jazz I & II Ensembles: These co-curricular ensembles rehearse once a week, plus weekly sectionals. They prepare a variety of swing, big band, blues, rock and Latin pieces. They perform at Totino-Grace Jazz Department concerts, jazz festivals, the "18th and Vine" Swing Dance and other events in the Twin Cities.

Jazz Combos: These are small groups that rehearse once a week, focusing on jazz improvisation and jazz soloing abilities.

Brass Ensemble: This ensemble features all brass instruments, focusing on brass literature written specifically for these instruments. They rehearse once a week and perform on major concerts.

Woodwind Choir: An ensemble made up of woodwind players (flutes, oboes, clarinets, and saxes) focusing on woodwind literature written specifically for these instruments. They rehearse once a week and perform on major concerts.