Fine Arts

2020 Virtual armstrong art gallery

Refer to your course guide. Student participates in Pep Band and volunteers for Marching Band. Concerts are part of the curriculum. 

armstrong high school bands website
Where to go for more info: Band office 763-504-8853 (in the band room) or website
Season: All year (September-June)
When activity takes place: During regular school day
Eligibility requirements: Compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies
Average number of members: Concert band, 70-80.  Freshman band, 70-80.
Cost or needed equipment: Rental fee for school-owned equipment or your own personal instrument
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the band department

armstrong high school bands website
Where to go for more info: Band office 763-504-8853 (in the band room) or website
Season: All year (September-June)
When activity takes place: Jazz I - two rehearsals per week.  Jazz II – one rehearsal per week.
Competitions/performances: Varies according to the Minnesota State High School League schedule.
Eligibility requirements: Auditions held for Jazz I & Jazz II.  Students must comply with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies.
Average number of members: 20 - 25
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee, rental fee for school-owned equipment or your own personal instrument 
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the band department

armstrong high school bands website

Where to for more info: Band office 763-504-8853 (in the band room) or website
Season: Fall (August-October)- Monday and Thursday evenings.
When activity takes place: August rehearsals, when fall athletics start are Monday-Thursday evenings. After Labor Day, rehearsals are Monday & Thursday evenings for six weeks. 
Competitions/performances: Some Fridays and Saturdays through the fall
Eligibility requirements: Must be a student member of the band department, compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies. Participation required for symphonic band members. Drum Line and Color Guard members audition in the spring. 
Average number of members: 125-150
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee for Freshman and Concert Band members. No participation fee for Symphonic band members. Shoes, shirt and uniform fee. Rental fee for school-owned equipment.
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the band department

armstrong high school bands website

Refer to your course guide and the band handbook. Audition required for Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Participation in the Marching Band is required unless excused by the director. Concerts, sectional, Orchestra Hall Music Festival, pep band and Region 6AA performances are required.

Adviser: TBD
Where to for more info: Band office (in the band room) or website
Season: All year (September-June)
When activity takes place: During regular school day
Competitions/performances: Varies according to the Minnesota State High School League schedule
Eligibility requirements: Audition, compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies
Average number of members: 50-80
Cost or needed equipment: Rental fee for school-owned equipment
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the band department

A select mixed ensemble which acts as a public relations representative of the school by performing for concerts, service clubs, conventions, and private groups. Literature ranges from classical chamber, jazz/pop, and seasonal music.

armstrong choirs website

Adviser(s): Stephanie Trump
Where to go for more info: Choir room (B208) or Stephanie_Trump@rdale.org
Season: All year (August-June)
When activity takes place: Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday or Friday, 6:15-7:10 a.m., plus additional rehearsals as scheduled.
Competitions/performances: Main performances the months of December, March, April, and May with various other annual events.
Eligibility requirements: For juniors and seniors by auditions only (auditions in May for the following  year), compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules, District activity policies, and choral program policies. 
Average number of members: Approximately 24 after auditions
Cost or needed equipment: $110 activity fee, performance attire
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the choral department

armstrong choirs website

Armstrong's Freshman Choirs offer our 9th grade students a comprehensive choral experience featuring two annual performances and deep study of individual vocal development.  Armstrong has four Freshman Choirs that rehearse during the school day - two Freshman Men's Choirs and two Freshman Women's Choirs.  

Freshman Choirs may perform separately, but often combine to perform at concerts.  Enrichment opportunities include the option to audition for Armstrong's Freshman Madrigals as well as other performing opportunities such as solo/ensemble and ACDA 9-10 Honor Choir.  The Freshman Choirs are directed by Tony Rangel and Stephanie Trump. 

Freshman and Varsity students may participate in an instrumental ensemble and choir through an alternating schedule during the same class period.  

• Contact: Stephanie Trump (Stephanie_Trump@rdale.org) and Tony Rangel (Tony_Rangel@rdale.org)

armstrong choirs website

The Varsity Men's and Women's Choirs provide an opportunity for 10-12th grade students to sing in choir without an audition.  Even though these choirs meet during the same class period, they are primarily featured individually in performance.

Armstrong Varsity level choirs are divided into voice-type ensembles.  Varsity Volo (Tony Rangel, Director) is comprised of 10th-12th grade tenor and bass voices.  Varsity Vivace (Stephanie Trump, Director) is comprised of 10th-12th grade soprano and alto voices.  Volo and Vivace Choirs  are non-auditioned ensembles.  Students in either Volo or Vivace can choose to audition to be a member of the Varsity Madrigal Singers.

Freshman and Varsity students may participate in an instrumental ensemble and choir through an alternating schedule during the same class period.  

• Contact: Stephanie Trump (Stephanie_Trump@rdale.org) and Tony Rangel (Tony_Rangel@rdale.org)

armstrong choirs website

The Armstrong Concert Choir is a mixed-voice ensemble open only to juniors and seniors by audition. This ensemble is curricular in nature with many co-curricular obligations and performance opportunities. In addition to winter, March and spring home concerts, NWSC Music Festival and Region 6AA participation, this ensemble tours annually and represent Armstrong, District 281 and the state of Minnesota in a variety of venues.

The quality and visibility of this ensemble enables the choir to perform in numerous prestigious venues. Students who participate in these auditioned ensembles develop a high level of musical excellence and personal growth. 

• Grade level(s): Juniors and Seniors
• Contact: Stephanie Trump (Stephanie_Trump@rdale.org) 

Directors, actors, and crews put together plays and musicals that are performed for the public. Auditions for the Fall Play are in May and rehearsals begin in August. Auditions for the Musical are in November, and Spring show auditions are in late February. The production of the One Act may be tied to the Intro to theatre/theatre production class.

armstrong high school theater facebook page
armstrong theater boosters facebook group

Adviser(s): Jenny Lovitt
Where to go for more info: Drama room (ERC 230)/ Jenny_Lovitt@Rdale.org / 763-504-8882 
Season: Auditions for the Fall Play are in May and rehearsals begin in August. Auditions for the Musical are in November, and Spring show auditions are in late February. The production of the One Act maybe tied to the Intro to theatre/theatre production class. 
When the activity takes place: Rehearsals after school from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., some Saturdays. Crews work either afternoons, evenings, or Saturdays. Four performances of the Musical, two-four performances of the One Act Play, three-four performances of the Fall and Spring plays.
Competitions/performances: Four performances of the Musical, two-four performances of the One Act play, three-four performances of the Fall and Spring plays.
Eligibility requirements: Audition for acting roles. Backstage crews are open to all interested students. Compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies.
Average number of members: 35 - 60 for the musical, 10 - 25 for plays
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the theater department

A treble-voice vocal ensemble for highly motivated, musically skilled junior and senior singers performing madrigals and music from a variety of historic periods.

Adviser(s): Stephanie Trump
Where to go for more info: Choir room (B208)/ Stephanie_Trump@Rdale.org / 763-504-8857
Season: All year (September-June)
When activity takes place: 6:15 a.m. on Thursdays. Contests in March and April. Vocal music department performance schedule.
Competitions/performances: Varies according to the Minnesota State High School League schedule
Eligibility requirements: Auditions, time of which will be announced in the choir handbook and in class, compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules, district activity policies, and choral program policies.
Average number of members: 9-15
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee
Lettering Opportunities: Yes 

A mixed-voice vocal ensemble for highly motivated, musically skilled freshman singers performing madrigals and music from a variety of historic periods. 

armstrong choirs website

Adviser(s): Corey Cellurale
Where to go for more info: Vocal music room (room B208) / Corey_Cellurale@Rdale.org / 763-504-8856
Season: September through June
When activity takes place: 6:15 a.m. on Tuesdays. Local contests in March. Vocal music department performance schedule.   
Eligibility requirements: Auditions, time of which will be announced in the choir handbook and in class, compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules, district activity policies, and choral program policies.
Average number of members: 15-20 but can be more, Co-ed
Cost or needed equipment: $25 but will be discounted with fundraising efforts
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the choral department

A mixed-voice auditioned ensemble of highly motivated and musically skilled singers. Must be members of the Armstrong Varsity Choir.

Adviser(s): Stephanie Trump
Where to go for more info: Choir room (B208)/ Stephanie_Trump@Rdale.org / 763-504-8857
Season: September through June
When activity takes place: 6:15 a.m. Tuesdays. Local and state/regional contests in March and April. Vocal music department performance schedule.
Eligibility requirements: Auditions, time of which will be announced, compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules, District activity policies, and choral program policies.
Average number of members: 24
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee. Performance attire
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the choral department

The Armstrong Chamber Strings is an advanced chamber orchestra that offers students the opportunity to perform in a number of venues and in a variety of musical styles. Armstrong Chamber Strings has won a number of awards, most recently named “best in site” at Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble contest. Recent performances included participation in the district music festival at the Minneapolis Convention Center as well as a performance at the 2013 MN Music Educator’s Convention. This is an auditioned group open to all orchestra students 9-12. Auditions are held each fall.

armstrong orchestra website

Adviser(s): Kevin Martin 
Where to go for more info: Band/Orchestra office/ Kevin_Martin@Rdale.org / 763-504-8855
Season: All year (September – June)
When activity takes place: Rehearsals are before school, one day per week
Competitions/performances: School concerts in December and May, Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble Recitals, Spring District Orchestra Festival, various other performances throughout the year.
Eligibility requirements: Compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies. Membership in the Armstrong Orchestra program.
Average number of members: 15-20
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee          
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the orchestra department

The RAHS Concertino is an advanced chamber orchestra that offers students the opportunity to perform in numerous venues and in a variety of musical styles. Armstrong Concertino has won several awards, most recently named “best in site” at Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble contest. This is an auditioned group open to all orchestra students 9 - 12. Auditions are held each fall.

armstrong orchestra website

Adviser(s): Kevin Martin 
Where to go for more info: Band/Orchestra office/ Kevin_Martin@Rdale.org / 763-504-8855
Season: All year (September – June)
When activity takes place: Rehearsals are before school, one day per week
Competitions/performances: School concerts in December and May, Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble Recitals, Spring District Orchestra Festival, various other performances throughout the year
Eligibility requirements: Compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies. Membership in the Armstrong Orchestra program.
Average number of members: 15-20
Cost or needed equipment: $110 participation fee          
Lettering Opportunities: Participation contributes to a letter through the orchestra department

A non-auditioned Orchestra for students in grade 9. Refer to the Armstrong Course Guide for more information.

armstrong orchestra website

Adviser(s): Kevin Martin (Kevin_Martin@rdale.org)
Where to go for more info: Orchestra office or website
Season: All year (September-June)
When activity takes place: During regular school day
Competitions/performances: Varies according to the Minnesota State High School League schedule
Eligibility requirements: Compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies
Average number of members:   
Cost or needed equipment: Rental fee for school-owned equipment or your own personal instrument
Lettering Opportunities:    

A non-auditioned Orchestra for students in grades 10-12. Refer to the Armstrong Course Guide for more information.

armstrong orchestra website

Adviser(s): Kevin Martin (Kevin_Martin@rdale.org)
Where to go for more info: Orchestra office or website
Season: All year (September-June)
When activity takes place: During regular school day
Competitions/performances: Varies according to the Minnesota State High School League schedule
Eligibility requirements: Compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies
Average number of members:   
Cost or needed equipment: Rental fee for school-owned equipment or your own personal instrument
Lettering Opportunities:   

An auditioned orchestra for students in grades 10-12. Refer to the Armstrong Course Guide for more information.

armstrong orchestra website

Adviser(s): Kevin Martin
Where to go for more info: Orchestra office pr Kevin_Martin@rdale.org)
Season: All year (September-June)
When activity takes place: During regular school day
Competitions/performances: Varies according to the Minnesota State High School League schedule
Eligibility requirements: Compliance with MSHSL eligibility rules and District activity policies
Average number of members:   
Cost or needed equipment: Rental fee for school-owned equipment or your own personal instrument
Lettering Opportunities:   

The tech crew builds and paints original sets and props for the productions in the theatre department. Students have the chance to learn carpentry, drafting, many different kinds of painting techniques, prop creation, theatrical lighting and sound, front of house production and stage management. No experience is required.

Tech crew runs all year, but full year participation is not required. If a student has a sport or another activity during the year it is still possible to do both. After weeks of building and preparation, the tech crew is the group of students who run the show. This includes everything from running lights and sound, to being backstage doing scene changes and handling props, to managing the front of the house functions. This is a very fun, laid back activity which is perfect for anyone with any interest in construction, art or technology.

It is common for students who are heavily involved to go on to study technical theatre in their college careers. Regardless of whether you continue in tech theatre, you will learn skills on tech crew that you will use for the rest of your life!

Adviser(s): Molly Kern
Where to go for more info: Auditorium Office B203B/ YWeighMolly_Kern@Rdale.org / 763-504-8775 | Drama room (ERC 230)/ Jenny_Lovitt@Rdale.org / 763-504-8882
Season: All year. There is a fall show, a winter one act, a winter musical and a spring show. Full year participation is possible and common, but NOT required. You can do this activity on the off season from a sport etc, or in combination with other activities based on your schedule.
When activity takes place: As scheduled, but typically Tuesday and Thursday from 2:10 – 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. You can come as often or as little as you like-everyday participation in NOT required. However, the students who put in more time get first choice of show responsibilities like running sound and lights, and stage management.
Competitions/performances: There are a total of 4 shows per year. The “mainstage” shows are in the fall, winter and spring and do not compete. The one act which happens in late January is a competition show, and it involves travel to other schools and the  possibility of extra performances if the show moves on in the competition.
Eligibility requirements: District 281 and AHS academic and conduct eligibility code apply. Participation and seniority dictate roles in performances.
Cost or Needed Equipment: None
Average number of members: 30-40
Lettering Opportunities: Yes