Band & Orchestra

Totino-Grace Fine Arts Academy Band & Orchestra Opportunities 2026-27 School Year

Who is band or orchestra open to? Anyone and everyone in the 2026-2027 3rd-8th grade for orchestra and 4th-8th grade for band!!

Can anyone in these grades participate in band or orchestra? Yes!!

What is needed to be in band or orchestra? The only thing your child will need is the actual instrument. All books, practice materials, and music will be provided.

What is the cost of the band or orchestra program? The program is $729 or $81 / month (split evenly between September - May, 9 payments in total). This includes: weekly small group or individual lessons, the large ensemble, lesson books, all performance music, the ability to participate in combined groups with other area schools, such as jazz ensembles, grade-level ensembles, solo competitions, and other opportunities.

Who are the directors of the program? The staff of the Fine Arts Academy are area professionals and directors, hired through the current staff of Totino-Grace Catholic High School.

When does the band or orchestra meet? The lessons and full group rehearsals are weekly during the school day - exact days and times TBD. The first week will be the week of September 14th, 2026.

How do I sign up? If you are new to the program, all of the registration for the program can be done online. Follow this link to sign up for band or orchestra: www.totinograce.org/academics/fine-arts-academy. If you are already participated in the 2025-2026 school year, your registration is on a continuous enrollment and you do not need to register again, unless you are making a change in instrument, school or contact information. Then follow the same link as above and select ‘update an existing account’

How to get an instrument for band or orchestra:

I already have an instrument - can my child play that? Yes! However, you may want to bring it to a music store’s repair shop to have it tested and possibly cleaned.

I need an instrument - where do I go? The most common way to get an instrument is through a music store’s “Trial Plan” or “Rent-to-Own” plan. You can get an instrument with monthly payments that go towards the purchase of an instrument. We work closely with Schmitt Music (https://www.schmittmusic.com), who has an option where you can rent the instrument online, they will deliver it to us, and we will bring it right to the school!

What now? Anyone interested in band or orchestra for next year, please register at: www.totinograce.org/academics/fine-arts-academy (again, if already registered in the 2025-2026 school year, no need to do anything - your registration will be rolled over automatically.)

If you have any questions about the band and orchestra program at St. Vincent De Paul, please reach out to the following directors:
Band Director - Mrs. Jessica Haut at [email protected]
Orchestra Director - Mr. Zachary Saathoff at [email protected]
Academy Director - Mr. Tim Hoffman at [email protected].  

We can't wait to make music with you in the 2026-27 school year!