Classes

Choir

TCHA offers several choir classes each semester for a variety of ages ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Spring 2025 Semester

Classes for this semester (unless otherwise noted) are held at South Suburban Church in Apple Valley on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025 except for Apr 16, 2025.

Classes

  • Music Explorers
    Music Explorers
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Grades K - 1st
    Tuition Fee 147 137
    Register
    Registration closes Jan 22, 2025 Early registration discount expires Jan 1, 2025

    Music Explorers

    Music Explorers
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Class Times
    Grades K - 1st
    Tuition Fee 147 137

    Through singing, games, movement, and more, students in Music Explorers will build a strong musical foundation, including keeping a steady beat, creating simple rhythms, and singing in a healthy and artful way. All Music Explorers will perform in TCHA’s Choir Concert at the end of the semester.

    Instructor

    Dylan Sauder
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama

    Dylan Sauder is a Twin Cities music educator and performer. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal and Classroom Music from University of Northwestern-St. Paul, as well as a major in Bible and a Spanish minor. While much of his teaching experience has been PK-8th grade General Music, he has also taught choir for grades 4-12, beginning band and strings, piano and voice lessons, and musical theater classes, in addition to music directing and choreographing several elementary and middle school musicals.

    When not teaching, Dylan enjoys performing, especially on-stage in musical theater productions and singing in any number of genres. In his free time, he enjoys being outside in nature, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling. He is so excited to create and explore with the elementary singers of TCHA this school year!

  • Music Makers
    Music Makers
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Grades 2nd - 3rd
    Tuition Fee 175 165
    Register
    Registration closes Jan 22, 2025 Early registration discount expires Jan 1, 2025

    Music Makers

    Music Makers
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Class Times
    Grades 2nd - 3rd
    Tuition Fee 175 165

    Music Makers get to experience making music together through singing rounds and folk songs, as well as expressing themselves through movement. They will continue developing a foundation in music concepts-such as note reading, dynamics, tempo, steady beats, reading rhythms, etc.-through singing and playing classroom instruments. Students will perform at TCHA’s Choir Concert at the end of the semester.

    Instructor

    Dylan Sauder
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama

    Dylan Sauder is a Twin Cities music educator and performer. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal and Classroom Music from University of Northwestern-St. Paul, as well as a major in Bible and a Spanish minor. While much of his teaching experience has been PK-8th grade General Music, he has also taught choir for grades 4-12, beginning band and strings, piano and voice lessons, and musical theater classes, in addition to music directing and choreographing several elementary and middle school musicals.

    When not teaching, Dylan enjoys performing, especially on-stage in musical theater productions and singing in any number of genres. In his free time, he enjoys being outside in nature, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling. He is so excited to create and explore with the elementary singers of TCHA this school year!

  • Cantabile
    Cantabile
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Grades 4th - 6th
    Tuition Fee 182 172
    Register
    Registration closes Jan 22, 2025 Early registration discount expires Jan 1, 2025

    Cantabile

    Cantabile
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Class Times
    Grades 4th - 6th
    Tuition Fee 182 172

    Cantabile Choir members focus on learning to sing as an ensemble as we prepare music, including songs in foreign languages, to be performed at TCHA’s Choir Concert at the end of the semester. They will sing music from different genres, singing unison, 2-part, and 3-part music. Cantabile is appropriate for boys with unchanged voices.

    Instructor

    Dylan Sauder
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama

    Dylan Sauder is a Twin Cities music educator and performer. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal and Classroom Music from University of Northwestern-St. Paul, as well as a major in Bible and a Spanish minor. While much of his teaching experience has been PK-8th grade General Music, he has also taught choir for grades 4-12, beginning band and strings, piano and voice lessons, and musical theater classes, in addition to music directing and choreographing several elementary and middle school musicals.

    When not teaching, Dylan enjoys performing, especially on-stage in musical theater productions and singing in any number of genres. In his free time, he enjoys being outside in nature, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling. He is so excited to create and explore with the elementary singers of TCHA this school year!

  • Gloria Voce
    Gloria Voce
    Michelle Rose
    Choir, Drama, Private Lessons, and Theatre
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Grades 7th - 9th
    Tuition Fee 175 165
    Register
    Registration closes Jan 22, 2025 Early registration discount expires Jan 1, 2025

    Gloria Voce

    Gloria Voce
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Class Times
    Grades 7th - 9th
    Tuition Fee 175 165

    Gloria Voce is a mixed choral group for students to grow together in learning to read music, sing harmonies, and apply vocal techniques of breath, blend, pitch, and resonance at the junior high level. In this season, students will find their voices are changing and we will adapt to their new “instrument” as that occurs. Along with two concerts in December and May, Gloria Voce may also perform at the Mall of America during the Christmas season. No audition required.

    NOTE: due to the time required to order music, a late fee of $25 for all who register less than two weeks before classes begin.

    Instructor

    Michelle Rose
    Michelle Rose
    Choir, Drama, Private Lessons, and Theatre

    Michelle has been a seeker of creativity & wonderment since childhood. Raised in Madagascar and Minnesota, as a young girl Michelle fell in love with the internal landscape of books and story, and the external narrative of nature and the outdoors, with music woven throughout both worlds. As a teenager she filled her days with theater, choir, speech, and music and found in those spaces both her strengths and gifting, as well as her people and belonging.

    Michelle received a BA in Music Performance with a vocal emphasis from Colorado Christian University, and spent the following years touring with various groups and working as a studio musician and vocalist for commercial and corporate events. Michelle has also led worship for over 25 years, recorded on various worship albums featuring her original music, and released two solo albums as a singer-songwriter.

    Teaching voice and piano from her home studio, Michelle has also taught and mentored songwriting for several summers at The Junior Composer’s Institute, and directed four years of Christmas choir and orchestra performances of Handel’s Messiah.

    In 2013 Michelle joined the founding board of Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts and is passionate about providing faith-based quality performing arts opportunities to the homeschooling community. Michelle has a special love for working with teens, enjoying the role of music director for TCHA musical productions since 2018, and is now thrilled to be directing the TCHA teen mixed choirs and female select ensemble. She has two college-age children, Kenoy and Paris, and lives in Eagan, MN.

  • Class Voice
    Class Voice
    Eva Opseth
    Choir and Private Lessons
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 177 167
    Register
    Registration closes Jan 22, 2025 Early registration discount expires Jan 1, 2025

    Class Voice

    Class Voice
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Class Times
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 177 167

    In this class, students will develop a range of singing skills through performance, observation, and constructive discussion, using these tools to explore and experiment with their voices. They will have the opportunity to sing solos and/or group pieces weekly in supportive, low-pressure environments that foster confidence and personal growth. Students will learn how to give and receive thoughtful, constructive feedback to enhance their vocal development. In addition, they will be provided with resources and techniques to improve their abilities as vocalists across various contexts—whether solo, choral, or theatrical performances. The course will also focus on refining individual performance and vocal technique, while covering topics such as stage presence, professionalism in music, and more.

    Instructor

    Eva Opseth
    Eva Opseth
    Choir and Private Lessons

    Eva Opseth is a Voice Professional who has experience in teaching and performing throughout the Twin Cities and upper Midwest. Eva has a Bachelor’s degree in Music (with an emphasis in Vocal Performance) and over 10 years of vocal training. Her professional experience includes performing at Shell Lake Arts Center, University of Wisconsin River Falls, Orchestra Hall and more. She is a TCHA alumni and was involved in choir and theater during her time as a student. Her experience on stage has shaped her teaching pedagogy and given her skills to help her students pursue their passions and grow their abilities. Eva currently teaches private voice and piano lessons from her home studio as well as Concert Choir at Journey Homeschool Group in River Falls, WI. In lessons, Eva helps students create high and achievable goals. She is passionate about equipping students with not only musical knowledge and vocal techniques, but also rehearsal tips, vocal anatomy, and portraying a character through song.

  • Auria
    Auria
    Michelle Rose
    Choir, Drama, Private Lessons, and Theatre
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 123
    Register
    Registration closes Jan 22, 2025

    Auria

    Auria
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Class Times
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 123

    Auria is an ensemble of the most vocally skilled female participants drawn from Gloria and Divino Voce choirs. For students not previously accepted into Auria, an audition is required to participate in this ensemble (registration will be opened to those who are selected to participate). For more information on the audition process, please contact Michelle Whalen <[email protected]>.

    Instructor

    Michelle Rose
    Michelle Rose
    Choir, Drama, Private Lessons, and Theatre

    Michelle has been a seeker of creativity & wonderment since childhood. Raised in Madagascar and Minnesota, as a young girl Michelle fell in love with the internal landscape of books and story, and the external narrative of nature and the outdoors, with music woven throughout both worlds. As a teenager she filled her days with theater, choir, speech, and music and found in those spaces both her strengths and gifting, as well as her people and belonging.

    Michelle received a BA in Music Performance with a vocal emphasis from Colorado Christian University, and spent the following years touring with various groups and working as a studio musician and vocalist for commercial and corporate events. Michelle has also led worship for over 25 years, recorded on various worship albums featuring her original music, and released two solo albums as a singer-songwriter.

    Teaching voice and piano from her home studio, Michelle has also taught and mentored songwriting for several summers at The Junior Composer’s Institute, and directed four years of Christmas choir and orchestra performances of Handel’s Messiah.

    In 2013 Michelle joined the founding board of Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts and is passionate about providing faith-based quality performing arts opportunities to the homeschooling community. Michelle has a special love for working with teens, enjoying the role of music director for TCHA musical productions since 2018, and is now thrilled to be directing the TCHA teen mixed choirs and female select ensemble. She has two college-age children, Kenoy and Paris, and lives in Eagan, MN.

  • Concordia
    Concordia
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 123
    Register
    Registration closes Jan 22, 2025

    Concordia

    Concordia
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Class Times
    Grades 7th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 123

    Concordia is an ensemble of the most vocally skilled male participants drawn from Gloria and Divino Voce choirs. For students not previous accepted into Concordia, an audition is required to participate in this ensemble (registration will be opened to those who are selected to participate). For more information on the audition process, please contact Michael Hunt <[email protected]>.

    Instructor

    Dylan Sauder
    Dylan Sauder
    Choir and Drama

    Dylan Sauder is a Twin Cities music educator and performer. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal and Classroom Music from University of Northwestern-St. Paul, as well as a major in Bible and a Spanish minor. While much of his teaching experience has been PK-8th grade General Music, he has also taught choir for grades 4-12, beginning band and strings, piano and voice lessons, and musical theater classes, in addition to music directing and choreographing several elementary and middle school musicals.

    When not teaching, Dylan enjoys performing, especially on-stage in musical theater productions and singing in any number of genres. In his free time, he enjoys being outside in nature, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling. He is so excited to create and explore with the elementary singers of TCHA this school year!

  • Divino Voce
    Divino Voce
    Michelle Rose
    Choir, Drama, Private Lessons, and Theatre
    Class Times
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Grades 10th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 185 175
    Register
    Registration closes Jan 22, 2025 Early registration discount expires Jan 1, 2025

    Divino Voce

    Divino Voce
    Schedule Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 22, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025
    Class Times
    Grades 10th - 12th
    Tuition Fee 185 175

    Divino Voce is a mixed choral group for students who desire to continue growing their vocal and musical skills while singing exciting and increasingly challenging choral works at the high school level. Along with two concerts in December and May, Divino Voce may also perform at the Mall of America during the Christmas season, and participate in a high school choral festival in January.

    For students not previously accepted into Divino Voce, an audition is required* to participate in this ensemble (registration will be opened to those who are selected to participate). For more information on the audition process, please contact Michelle Whalen <[email protected]>.

    NOTE: due to the time required to order music, a late fee of $25 for all who register less than two weeks before classes begin.

    *If a student is not vocally prepared to sing in this choir but would like to grow in their singing skills, we encourage vocal instruction from one of the many voice coaches connected to TCHA.

    Instructor

    Michelle Rose
    Michelle Rose
    Choir, Drama, Private Lessons, and Theatre

    Michelle has been a seeker of creativity & wonderment since childhood. Raised in Madagascar and Minnesota, as a young girl Michelle fell in love with the internal landscape of books and story, and the external narrative of nature and the outdoors, with music woven throughout both worlds. As a teenager she filled her days with theater, choir, speech, and music and found in those spaces both her strengths and gifting, as well as her people and belonging.

    Michelle received a BA in Music Performance with a vocal emphasis from Colorado Christian University, and spent the following years touring with various groups and working as a studio musician and vocalist for commercial and corporate events. Michelle has also led worship for over 25 years, recorded on various worship albums featuring her original music, and released two solo albums as a singer-songwriter.

    Teaching voice and piano from her home studio, Michelle has also taught and mentored songwriting for several summers at The Junior Composer’s Institute, and directed four years of Christmas choir and orchestra performances of Handel’s Messiah.

    In 2013 Michelle joined the founding board of Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts and is passionate about providing faith-based quality performing arts opportunities to the homeschooling community. Michelle has a special love for working with teens, enjoying the role of music director for TCHA musical productions since 2018, and is now thrilled to be directing the TCHA teen mixed choirs and female select ensemble. She has two college-age children, Kenoy and Paris, and lives in Eagan, MN.