MCA Musical Revue

Calling all middle -high school singers. This is your opportunity to participate in a unique collaborative musical and theatrical experience. Over the course of 6 weeks you will participate in rehearsals that will include vocal & theatrical exercises, brainstorming sessions, discussion on how to find intent in a song, building character and physical expression in relation to musical tone. In collaboration with other students and the instructor to form a song list and devise a script for the final performance. Prior to the first rehearsal you will receive a welcome video with instructions and access to Google accompaniment file and you will be asked to record a range check video and submit before first rehearsal. You will participate in group sessions and a private coaching with the Director. 

 Rehearsals:12/4, 12/18, 1/8, Private Coaching the week of 1/9-13

Time: 6:30-7:30 PM

Online Premiere: 1/22/21, 6pm on MCA's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel

Ages: 5th-12th grade

Director: Lindsy O'Shea

Location: Online via Zoom

Fee: $59

Registration Notes: Cast will be limited to 12 Singers, no auditions required, but MCA private voice students will have access to early registration (through Oct. 28th).

Spotlight Players

Fight off the winter doldrums and get ready to step into the spotlight while staring in a virtual play. Young actors have the opportunity to perform in an original play written by Saint Mary’s University Alumni, Daniel Collette. Additionally, you will also learn fun acting warm-ups, games, and performance techniques that every actor should know.

Rehearsals: Thursdays, Jan.7- Feb. 4th, Private Coaching the week of Feb. 8

Time: 5:30-6:30 PM (time may vary a bit depending on role assigned)

Online Premiere: 2/20/21, 6pm on MCA's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel

Ages: 2nd-5th grade

Director: Ahnika Lexvold

Location: Online via Zoom

Fee: $59

Stay Strong Dance Online Classes

Nutcracker Adventure Kit

Day & Dates: Available Dec. 1- 20

Ages: Recommended 4+

Instructor: Self-Paced 

Fees: $12 (includes at-home Nutcracker themed art kit, dancing scarf & video access to pre-recorded MCA Nutcracker Storytime with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)

Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 6-9)

Day & Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11

Time: 3-3:45 PM

Ages: 6-9 years

Instructor: Carter Full

Fees: Online: $21 (4 weeks,  3 hours real-time Zoom, also include access to on-demand library of hip hop and ballet classes Nov. 22- Jan. 24)

Musical Theatre (Ages 10+)

Day & Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11

Time: 4-5 PM

Ages: 10+ 

Instructor: Carter Full

Fees: Online: $28 (4 weeks,  4 hours real-time Zoom, also include access to on-demand library of hip hop and ballet classes Nov. 22- Jan. 24)

Ballet IIB/III

Day & Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11

Time: 5:45-7 PM

Instructor: Rachael Ryan

Fees: Online: $40 (4 weeks, 5 hours real-time Zoom, also include access to on-demand library of Ballet classes Nov. 22- Jan. 24)

Ballet Technique for Levels IV-VII

Day & Dates: 

Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11

Thursdays Dec. 10, 17, Jan. 7 & 14

Time: 4-5:30 PM

Instructors: Tammy Schmidt, Jessica Dienger & Rachael Ryan

Fees: Online: $96 (4 weeks, 12 hours real-time Zoom, also include access to on-demand library of ballet classes Nov. 22- Jan. 24)

Pointe Barre

Day & Dates: Thursdays Dec. 10, 17, Jan. 7 & 14

Time: 5:45-6:45 PM

Instructor: Tammy Schmidt

Fees: Online: $32 (4 weeks, 4 hours real-time Zoom, also include access to on-demand library of pointe classes Nov. 22- Jan. 24)

Int./Adv. Contemporary

Day & Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11

Time: 5:45-6:45 PM

Instructor: Jessica Dienger 

Fees: Online: $32 (4 weeks, 4 hours real-time Zoom, also include access to on-demand library of contemporary classes Nov. 22- Jan. 24)

Tap Jam

Day & Dates: Access to on-demand tap videos for a week, Live Zoom on Friday, Dec. 18

Time/level/age:

Instructors: Carter Full, Nathan Graff, Christine Martin, and Justine Meinke

Ages: 5+

Fees: Freewill Donations Accepted

MCA Holiday Tap Jam

Calling all tappers! Our Annual Tap Jam is going virtual. Tap students ages 5 and older are invited to participate in this fun-filled Holiday Tap Jam. This jam is open to tappers everywhere. Participants will be given access to a video to learn a short tap warm-up and combination during the week leading up and will receive a little goody bag to enhance the Zoom session (accessible for pick-up in Winona only, a list of items will be given to non-local students). The live Zoom celebration will include games, sharing, and conversation. For the live online session, students will just need a little space (safe to tap, such as a tap board*), tap shoes, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image.

Day/Date:  Video access 1 week prior, Zoom on Friday, Dec. 18 (see time listed below)

Levels/Ages/Zoom Time:

Instructors: Carter Full, Nathan Graff, Christine Martin, and Justine Meinke

Cost: Freewill Donations Accepted

*Tap boards available for rental and purchase. Tap shoe rental available for free though tap shoe lending program, contact the MCA office for more information at: mca@smumn.edu

Learn More about Creative Aging

Winter 2021 In-studio Classes with Online Option

Full descriptions and fees can be found on under the dance division page. Students enrolling in in-person classes should familiarize themselves with the MCA COVID Code of Conduct. Enrollment for in-person classes is very limited due to COVID mitigation measures, registration will open in mid-late November.

In-person dance classes with online option: Jan. 25-Apr. 24

(No Classes: Thursday, Apr. 1 through Easter Sunday, Apr. 4)

Mondays

4:45-6:45 PM  Ballet V and Ballet VI/VII

7-8:15 PM Tap III/IV/V

Tuesdays

4:15-5:15 PM  Tap II

4:45-6 PM Ballet IV

6:15-7:30 PM Modern III/IV/V

Wednesdays

4:45-6:30 PM Ballet V and Ballet VI/VII

6:45-7:45 PM Pointe Technique group 1

6:45-7:45 PM Beg/Int Contemporary Dance (Ages 10+)

Thursdays

4:45-6:15 PM Ballet V and Ballet VI/VII

6:30-7:30 PM Pointe Technique group 2

6:30-7:45 PM  Ballet IIB and III

Fridays

4:45-6:15 PM Ballet IV

4:45-6:15 PM Int/Adv Contemporary Dance Section 3

6:30-7:45 PM Jazz III/IV

Saturdays

10-11:15 AM Int/Adv Contemporary Dance Section 1

11:30 AM-12:45 PM Tap III/IV/V

1-2:30 PM Int/Adv Contemporary Dance Section 2

Discounts: Dedicated Artist, University Student Discount, Adult Fitness Passes, & Scholarships available.

Visual Art Classes

Nutcracker Adventure Kit

You can still celebrate Nutcracker Season through dance and art this year with our at-home Nutcracker Adventure Kit. This fun kit comes complete with a 5” wood nutcracker for you to paint, 6 colors of paint, a paint brush, dancing scarf, MCA nutcracker activity book, and access to a pre-recorded MCA Nutcracker Storytime. 

Day & Dates: Kit’s available Dec. 1- 20

Ages: Recommended 4+

Instructor: Self-Paced 

Fees: $12 (includes at-home Nutcracker themed art kit, dancing scarf & video access to pre-recorded MCA Nutcracker Storytime with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)

Winter Inspirations (Ages 7+)

Inspired by snow, chilly weather, and the winter celebrations this class will teach you how to create unique gifts and decor. The class fee includes an at-home art kit that will include shrinky dink paper, model magic, metallic markers, extra fine pointe sharpie, suction cups, and more. Students will be asked to have a single hole punch, additionally washable markers and cookie cutters may be useful. Please register one week prior to ensure you have your at-home art kit in time. 

Day/ Dates: Mondays,Nov. 16-Dec. 7 

Time: 3:30-4:30 PM

Age: 7+

Instructors: Lisa Douglas

Fees: $49 (includes at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US, students will be asked to have a single hole punch, additionally washable markers and cookie cutters may be useful)

Let it Snow (Ages 55+)

Inspired by snow, chilly weather, and the winter celebrations this class will teach you how to create unique gifts and decor. The class fee includes an at-home art kit that will include Shrinky Dink paper, model magic, metallic markers, extra fine point sharpie, suction cups, and more. Students will be asked to have a single hole punch, additionally washable markers and cookie cutters may be useful. Please register one week prior to ensure you have your at-home art kit in time. 

Day/ Dates: Mondays, Nov. 16-Dec. 7

Time: 2-3 PM

Age: 55+

Instructors: Lisa Douglas

Fees: $24* (includes at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US, students will be asked to have a single hole punch, additionally washable markers and cookie cutters may be useful)

*This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund, Aroha Philanthropies, and the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation.

Doodle Club (Ages 13+)

Wednesdays 7:30-8 PM

Dates: Sept. 5- Dec. 16

Instructors: Lisa Douglas

Fees: Free (students will need a pen (preferably a thin felt tip pen or marker), pencil, eraser, paper, and a round object for tracing such as a canning lid or tuna can.)

Weaving (Ages 55+)

Via Zoom

Explore weaving terms and concepts through the creation of 4 projects: a place mat, cotton dishtowel, tapestry, and continuous strand weaving (can be used for handbags, scarves, rugs, etc.)! Looms are available for rent with a deposit.

Day/Dates: Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23 and 30

Time: 10am-noon

Ages: 55+

Instructor: Lisa Douglas

Fees: $24* (includes supplies except loom with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US. Looms available to rent locally with a deposit.)

Mindful Journaling (Ages 55+)

Be present in the moment and channel your creativity through written and visual expression, learning techniques in drawing, painting and mixed media. This self-paced course provides 8 weekly emails containing journaling techniques and mindfulness prompts to inspire your creativity. Finish the course with a zoom social to share what you learned and, if you’re brave, show off your work!

Day/Dates: February 7-April 3 (8 weeks, self-paced), Zoom social tbd

Ages: 55+

Instructor: Brianna Haupt

Fees: $24* (includes supplies with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US.)

*This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund, Aroha Philanthropies, and the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation.

Hours of Art Kit

This inclusive kit has everything you need to get started creating on your own. If you want a want to dive a little deeper you can access previously recorded MCA art lessons to learn about blending and creating with oil pastels, how to sculpt a bird out of model magic, perspective drawing, colored pencil techniques, doodling word art and more. This kit is perfect for all ages, but is a perfect addition to a homeschooling curriculum.

What's included (colors or brands may vary):oil pastels, colored pencils, masking tape, pencil sharpener, ebony pencil, fine tipped sharpie, white multi-media art paper, colored construction paper, 2 packs of 1 oz. model magic, link for access to pre-recorded MCA classes

Dates: Available Aug. 24- Dec. 15 (self-paced)

Instructors: access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes

Fees:  $25 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)

MCA Doodle Kit

Take your doodling to the next level with this handy Doodl

e Kit. This kit is perfect for use during MCA's Doodle Club, virtual classes or instruction videos online.

Nutcracker Adventure Kit

You can still celebrate Nutcracker Season through dance and art this year with our at-home Nutcracker Adventure Kit. This fun kit comes complete with a 5” wood nutcracker for you to paint, 6 colors of paint, a paint brush, dancing scarf, MCA nutcracker activity book, and access to a pre-recorded MCA Nutcracker Storytime. 

Day & Dates: Kit’s available Dec. 1- 20

Ages: Recommended 4+

Instructor: Self-Paced 

Fees: $12 (includes at-home Nutcracker themed art kit, dancing scarf & video access to pre-recorded MCA Nutcracker Storytime with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)

Personalize Your Holidays Kit

MCA Mystery Art Kit

Sick of hearing “I’m Bored”?  We have just the cure… our MCA Mystery Art Kits will inspire and provide hours of unplugged entertainment. No two kits are the same and they are designed with the student’s age  in mind. Each unique kit will contain:

•  One set of coloring supplies such as oil pastels, colored pencils, paint, watercolor pencils, crayons or markers
• One binding material such as elmer’s glue, mod podge, glue stick, or masking tape
• A variety of surfaces to create on such as a postcard,s book marks, artist paper, exclusive coloring pages created by MCA staff,  and or construction paper.
• A Challenge guide created by MCA art faculty to help spark the artist within
• Other surprise items such as model magic, stickers, DIY masks, or props
• Links to previously recorded MCA visual art classes  (if you have purchased a kit, here is the link to the password protected special access site.)
• Invitation to share photos of your creations to be featured on MCA's social media

Dates: Self-paced, Aug. 1- Dec. 15 for no contact delivery or pick-up in Winona or shipped anywhere in the US for extra $12 per kit.

Cost: $24 per kit, available

We are excited to announce that we have shifted to offering private music lessons online and we are now accepting online registration for new students for most instruments. Now is the time to finally spend a little time with that piano that's been sadly sitting quietly in the corner or guitar that has been collecting dust in your basement! 

As with in-person lessons you may purchase lessons in a 4, 8, or 12 lesson package (ranging from $17-$19 per 30 minute lesson). We will be happy to shift lessons to in-person lessons once we can safely do so. No fees are paid until we connect you with an instructor. Learn more about MCA private lessons and instructors.

What you need need at your house to have a successful online lesson:

• your instrument
• a device with a camera and microphone (internal microphone should be fine unless you need to be far away from your device to be at your instrument.
• optional: headphones or external speaker  
• a wired connection (most reliable) or a strong wireless signal (around 1.5 Mbps for upload speed).  A 4G connection traditionally works as well.

Register Now!  

Don't miss viewing these special premiere's in real time on both our MCA  Facebook Page or You Tube Channel.

Nov. 7, 10am: Playful Postcards Virtual Gallery and Artist Celebration

Dec. 5, 6pm: MCA Virtual Fall Music Division Concert

Jan. 21, 6pm: MCA Virtual Musical Review

Feb. 20, 6pm: Spotlight Players Production

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is thrilled to be partnering with Elder Network to offer an art workshop suitable for all family members, care givers, and care receivers to spend an hour together in their home creatively. The class will be interactive and run live through ZOOM.  Participants will be encouraged to get lost in the moment and enjoy playing with color and shapes.

When & Topic: Second Tuesday of the Month. Oct. 13: Drawing Faceted Gemstones with Colored Pencils, Nov. 10: Doodle Designs for Bookmarks, and Dec. 8: Hand Lettering Hour 

Time: 1:30-2:30pm

Where: Online via ZOOM.

Instructor: Lisa Douglas

Fee: Free (suggested supplies include ad set of at least 12 colored pencils, a felt tip black pen and pencil)

To Register: Please RSVP to Barb at Elder Network, 507-452-0580 or barbp@elder-network.org, Open to all Winona County Residents.

About Elder Network: 

Elder Network was founded in 1988 in Rochester Minnesota. Their mission is “Individuals impacted by the limiting effects of aging have an optimal quality of life.” As a are a local 501c3 nonprofit, they serve primarily three counties in Southeast Minnesota; Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona. However, their educational offerings and support groups are open to anyone that would like to attend. Elder Network has developed seven non-medical programs that support seniors and their caregivers. We are a well-respected organization providing non-medical elder care which isn’t provided by other organizations doing similar services. They are proud that to network with other organizations so that we are able to support seniors and their caregivers through service or referral. Elder Network's outreach extends to all regardless of elder traditions, cultures or religions. These programs include Senior Advocacy, Education & Support, Companion Services, Respite Care In-Home, Peer Support, Friendly Visitors, and Transportation.

Festive Fun in December with the Caledonia Public Library

Arts Opportunities for All Houston County Residents 

The Caledonia Public Library and Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, are excited to announce a five of virtual and self-paced programming for both youth and adults this December. These programs have been created to encourage creativity, inspire learning, and foster community. All of these events are FREE to Houston County residents.

Snow Much Fun Storytimes

Houston County’s youngest residents will have so much fun as they sing, dance, and craft along with Miss. Lindsy during pre-recorded snow themed storytimes. Storytime kits that include a dancing scarf and materials for two snowman crafts available Dec.2 while supplies last.

Date/Time: Videos released on the Caledonia Facebook Page on Dec. 2 & 16, Kits available Dec. 2, first come first serve, while supplies last

Ages: recommend for ages 3-5

Instructor: Lindsy O’Shea of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts

Nutcracker Make & Take

These fun kits will bring the classic tale of The Nutcracker to life through a pre-recorded storytime which includes a dance performance and dance instruction, Nutcracker Activity Book, wooden nutcracker and paint set.  Kits available beginning Dec.9 while supplies last.

Date/Time: Video released on the Caledonia Facebook Page & Kits available Dec. 9, first come first serve, while supplies last

Ages: recommend for ages 5-12 years

Instructor: Amanda Pohlman of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts

Tiny Treasures

Pick up this kit and get ready to create art with Shrinky Dink Paper. From suncatchers to ornaments, to keychains or charms, the options are endless. Follow included paper instructions or the pre-recorded video to further the art experience and generate ideas. Kits available beginning Dec.15 while supplies last.

Date/Time: Video released on the Caledonia Facebook Page & Kits available Dec. 15, first come first serve, while supplies last

Ages: recommend for youth ages 6+

Instructor: Lisa Douglas of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts

Community Quilt

Community members are invited to pick-up a quilt square to decorate. Once completed the square will be combined with others to form a unique and beautiful community quilt.

Date/Time: Squares, Instruction sheet, and fabric markers available starting Dec. 1, while supplies last.

Relax & Doodle

Caledonia Public Library and MCA invite you to  participate in  a virtual live and interactive art session.  Get ready to unwind from the stress of the holidays while you  explore using shapes, lines and patterns to create satisfying doodle designs. Come create and even relax the mind with us. Students will just need a device enabled with Wi-Fi, white 8 1/2 x 11 typing paper, round object such as canning lid or tuna can, pencil, eraser and fine line felt tip black pen. Additionally, colored pencils or markers can be used to enhance creations, but are not required. Please make sure to enroll in this class at least 4 hours prior to class start time to ensure you get the Zoom link in time.

Date/Time: Live Zoom, Dec. 8, 6-7pm

Ages: 13+

Instructor: Lisa Douglas of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts

To Register:

We realize that the world has turned upside down over the past few months and that many more families will be homeschooling or virtual schooling during 2020. As always we will be here to help provide arts education to the community, including daytime options for homeschoolers. Thank you to everyone who filled out our online surveys in August. We hope that you are excited about the daytime, self-paced and evening offerings that we are offering this Fall that can help you meet your learning at home needs. On August 22 we hosted a Homeschool Q & A session via Zoom, please click here to view the recording. If you have ideas for desired programs please feel free to email them to: mca@smumn.edu.

MCA Fall 2020 Programs before 3pm:

Click Here to View Full Descriptions 

Make Your Mark- Virtual Visual Art class, Sept. 18-Oct. 23: Fridays- 1-1:45 PM (ages 6-9) &  2-3 PM (ages 10+)

You've Got Mail- Self-paced postcard exchange, Oct. 8- Nov. 28, Ages 6-18

Beginning Hip Hop- Virtual Dance Class. Sept. 15- Nov. 18: Tuesdays- 1-145 PM (ages 6+)

Hip Hop I/II- Virtual Dance Class. Sept. 15- Nov. 18: Tuesdays- 2-2:45 PM (ages 10+)

Private Music Lessons- Virtual (anytime) or in-person (after Sept. 21)- Arranged at a time convenient for student & instructor (all ages)

Self-Paced Art Kits- Explore MCA's 4 unique Art Kits. Mystery Art Kit & Hours of Art Kit & On-Demand Classes- all kits available while supplies last.

On-Demand Tap Units- These pre-recorded tap classes for Intermediate (MCA Tap II Level) and Advanced (MCA Tap Levels III-V) provide challenging and fun warm-ups, technique instruction and combinations that can be executed at home. MCA has tap shoes and tap boards that can be checked out to local students as well as tap boards that can be purchased.

We have created two playlist to help you and your family get through COVID-19 and even come out stronger and smarter.

MCA Moments- are music, theatre, dance, and visual arts activities that will fill your creative tool box full of arts tips, tricks, and boredom busters.

Dancers Stay Strong- Since you can't get to the studio, we are bringing dance to you... here we are sharing dance combinations, movement games and conditioning exercises to help you burn off energy stay strong and learn.

This group is for current (within 1 year) MCA students and their families. During the COVID-19 outbreak we plan to use this group to help us share and create together and inspire each other on a daily basis. 

Request to Join