Maplewood Music Programs

From the earliest years of Maplewood's existence, music has been an important part of academy life. Consequently, we daily strive to continue this tradition of excellence within every musical note or extended rest of our program. There are several groups that are a part of this endeavor:

The Maplewood Chorale is open to anyone who desires to join and ranges in size from 40 to 60 members. This group performs at our Hutchinson church monthly, and on campus for larger events such as Alumni Weekend, Christmas, Elementary Music Festival and the Spring Concert.

The Choraliers are an auditioned touring group of 25. From this group, an Octet is chosen by invitation only. Besides performing for campus functions, they tour monthly to churches within and near our conference, and sing in the surrounding communities as a form of outreach.

In addition to our choral program, we also have two bands. The MWA Band is made up of anyone who wants to join, and has grown to almost 30 students. We perform, as does the choir, for weekend functions on campus.

From the band, an auditioned ensemble called the Northwinds was chosen to tour with the Choraliers. The Northwinds has proven to be an essential addition, providing students with a fun yet challenging outlet for their musical talents.

Each year, in addition to a busy performing and touring schedule, there are several long-standing events planned. In alternating years, the Northwinds Ensemble or the Choraliers attend Union College in late January, early February for its music festival. In tandem, we plan a clinic for the alternating musical group on our campus each fall, so that each group, choral or instrumental, gets the excitement of being pushed to achieve more each year.

In addition to this, each fall, the Choraliers attend the annual St. Olaf Choral Festival on the campus of St. Olaf College in Northfield, a well-respected choral institution. Students seldom will ever forget the expereince of singing under world-renowned choral conductors with over a thousand other young musicians from around the state and region.

Each year, we strive to offer a greater musical experience that students can take with them wherever they go in their lives.