Heritage Christian Academy’s approach to a Liberal Arts education includes an emphasis on Fine Arts as all students are given opportunities to engage in Visual Arts, Theatre, Choir, Band, and Orchestra. Creativity is gifted to us by our Creator God, and as such, understanding its value and place within our creative community helps us to deepen our faith. HCA Fine Arts faculty strives to nurture students’ God given talents for the glory of God.
High school students in Choir, Band, Orchestra, Theatre, and Visual Arts will experience competition through the MSHSL as well as perform at multiple concerts throughout the year. Also, high school musicians will travel to a domestic location, performing, learning, and serving local churches along the way during their semi-annual music trip.
HCA’s Elementary Music program begins in Kindergarten Development and continues to 5th grade. Throughout these years, students learn and explore concepts such as rhythm, melody, form, dynamics, and more through singing, movement, and playing classroom instruments.
Heritage also emphasizes the importance of music in worship and teaches old and new songs that help students grow and deepen their faith. They are also given the opportunity to become action leaders in worship.
Elementary students prepare for and perform both a Christmas program and Grandparents’ Day program. All 5th graders participate in preparing and performing a musical in the spring.
Elementary students in 4th and 5th grade are also given the opportunity to learn an instrument in band or orchestra. In these ensembles, students will learn how to properly care for and play an instrument, learn beginning wind and string techniques, and perform in an ensemble setting. Those that do not choose to learn an instrument are still able to experience music in a general music class.
HCA’s Band and Orchestra programs begin in 4th grade as students are given the opportunity to learn an instrument in lessons and large ensembles. While students may join Band or Orchestra at any point, beginning an instrument in elementary helps prepare students for the transition into middle and high school Band or Orchestra. At all levels, students will be challenged musically and encouraged spiritually to build a strong community.
HCA’s Choir program begins in 6th grade, building on the foundation of Elementary Music, with students given the opportunity to participate in one of the middle school choirs. In high school, students may participate in Freshman Choir or audition for Concert Choir. Students in 7th to 12th grade have the option to audition for the extracurricular Select Choir.
Across all choirs, students will have an opportunity to experience music, build teamwork, express creativity, increase music literacy, and worship God. Through our courses, vocalists are introduced to music from different cultures and time periods while emphasizing sacred music.
HCA’s Theatre program begins in 5th grade as students prepare and perform a musical with a Biblical message that showcases the skills they have developed in their music classes throughout their elementary years.
As students transition to middle and high school, they are given multiple opportunities throughout the year to participate, both on and off stage, in various productions, including plays and musicals. Those involved in productions will use their time and talents to memorize lines, build set, rehearse choreography, refine their characters, and perform their roles for audiences of parents, peers, and the community. Theatre students develop essential life skills, such as communication, dependability, teamwork, dedication, creative thinking, and adaptability.
Also, Heritage students have the option to participate in a Theatre Arts course.
Every year, high school actors are able audition to perform at MSHSL’s One Act Competition. HCA MSHSL Theatre awards include One Act Play Section 4A 2nd Place (2021), Sub-Section 2nd Place (2022), Sub-Section 2nd Place (2021), and Subsection Champion (2020).
HCA’s Visual Arts program begins in middle school as students are given the opportunity to learn artistic skills including drawing, color theory, and art history that incorporate the Principles of Art and Design. While high school students may choose Visual Arts as an elective, the foundational techniques taught in middle school help students understand artistic concepts. These concepts are put into practice as they create artwork that showcase their individual talents. At all levels, students will be challenged to experiment with materials and to think critically about original ways they can express themselves artistically. Visual Arts offerings include drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, glass design, graphic design, and AP studio arts.
HCA offers opportunities for students to participate in worship leadership experiences in the weekly ENCOUNTER chapel services. Elementary students are given the option to be action leaders for worship. Middle and high school students serve as instrumentalists, vocalists, and parts of the tech team.
Mrs. Cindy Dreblow
Art Teacher
Mrs. Annie Grafstrom
Elementary Music Teacher
Mr. Mark Djerf
Orchestra Director
Mr. Drew Jones
Band Director
Mrs. Bethany Kemper
Choir & Theatre Director
Mrs. Bria Feist
Elementary Music Teacher