View photos below from Middle School Concert at State Capitol - February 2009



Music Program


Music at Saint John's Prep is a student-centered experience.  Our Music Department believes that every person deserves and should be encouraged to have music in his or her life.   Society recognizes music as an independent intelligence and intrinsic part of our culture as well as various cultures around the world.  Saint John's Prep strives to offer each student a comprehensive music program that is committed to quality literature and high performance standards.   Each class is designed to nurture individual skills and afford students the opportunity to develop these skills to their full potential.

We are proud to offer Band, Choir and String Orchestra to students in the Middle School and the Upper School.  This offering includes individual and small group lessons.  Extensions from these major performing groups include opportunities for solo/ensemble performance, chamber choir, string quartet, percussion ensemble and jazz.  Students are actively involved throughout the school year in many public performances, including tours and Minnesota State High School League sponsored contests and festivals. 

In 2008, the school constructed a new building to house our robust music program.  Click here to take a virtual tour of our campus, including the music facilities. 

We encourage you to review our course catalog for more information.  Click here to view.



MUSIC INSTRUCTORS


David Paulson has been teaching since 1991 and joined Saint John's Prep in 1995.  He directs the Upper School Concert Choir, Middle School Choir, Chamber Choir and Upper School Band, as well as individual lessons.  In addition to his work at SJP, David is Senior Choir and Handbell Choir director at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  Paulson received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Valparaiso University and his Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Saint Cloud State University.


Jeff Engholm joined Saint John's Prep in 2010 teaching Orchestra, Middle School Band and Jazz Band.  Jeff has extensive experience in the music industry, including: professional musician for over 15 years playing bass in the George Mauer Group, teaching in Little Falls and at the Sartell/St. Stephen High School and head engineer and producer of Rockhouse Productions.  In addition, he recently bought the Local Blend Coffee House in St. Joseph with his wife, Stacie.  Jeff earned his BA in Music from the University of Minnesota, Morris.  Jeff also performs locally in a variety of shows, including lead role in Jesus Christ, Superstar.