Fine Arts
PANTHER CHOIR
Panther Choir is open to students in grades 5-8. Choir practices are held every Wednesday, during the school day, from mid-October to mid-May. Focus points are the basics of singing, introduction to part-singing, and having a fun time praising our Savior together. The repertoire is mostly sacred music. The choir has the opportunity to sing for worship services that are held at Good Shepherd about four times a year, at the Christmas concert, and at the Twin Cities Fine Arts Festival, which is held in April.
PANTHER BAND
Panther Band is open to students in grades 5-8. Band lessons are available for an additional fee through the St. Croix Academy Band Director, John Fenske. Lessons are held at Good Shepherd once a week during the school day and are given by St. Croix instructor, Sara Rieke. Group Band practices are also held at Good Shepherd on Thursdays, during the school day. Band members are encouraged to perform with the St. Croix Academy’s band during one of its concerts, and participate in the mass Middle School Band at the Twin Cities Fine Arts Festival, which is held each year in April.
ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTS
All students partake in our Entertainment Nights. In November, we have students in grades 5-8 perform on stage in the gym. In the past we have done plays, but any form of entertainment that the teachers can create is possible. In May, we have the students in Kindergarten-grade 4 provide another round of entertainment. Having separate nights allows us to fit everyone in our gym, and it gives children a chance to perform material that is appropriate for their grade levels.
ART ADVENTURE – 6 week program
Art Adventure is a 6-week art appreciation program through the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Students learn to look at art and discover styles and methods of art as well as how to relate the piece to their lives. Our school chooses a different theme each year, and the students learn about the six pieces of art in that set. Parent volunteers go to a training class, and then each one teaches the students in each classroom about one of the pieces of art for a half hour on a Monday morning. In December, students from the even-numbered grades go to the museum to see the pieces in person, while the rest of the students make an art project at school.
FINE ARTS FESTIVAL, St. Croix Lutheran Academy
The Twin Cities Fine Arts Festival is a solo and ensemble contest for all area Lutheran Elementary and Middle School students in grades 5-8. The event is held at St. Croix Lutheran Academy on a Saturday in April beginning at 8am.
Good Shepherd students have the opportunity to enter individual music and art events for judging. Our band and choir also perform individually and within a mass band and choir concert at the end of the day.