Beyond the Classroom
With more than 30 clubs and activities, our wide array of co-curricular programs allow you to expand your horizons and try new things together with friends and peers.
Discover Your Place. Develop Your Gifts.
At Hill-Murray, learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. With a wide range of clubs, academic teams, leadership opportunities, service organizations, and special interest groups, students are encouraged to explore new passions and deepen existing talents. Whether pursuing excellence in competition, growing in faith through service, or simply finding a community of shared interests, our activities help every Pioneer get involved, build confidence, and form lasting friendships.
* Available for Middle School
Alpine Ski Club
The Hill-Murray Ski Club is available to any Hill-Murray students in grades 6-12. Interested students may ride the Ski Team bus to and from Afton Alps on any regular Ski Team practice night. Ski Club members must sign up in advance, and the bus ride is on a space available basis. Ski Team members have priority and all students must reserve their bus spot by using TeamSnap. There will be a fall meeting for all potential Ski Team and Ski Club members.
Contact:
Mark Lindemer alpineskicoach@hill-murray.com
Ambassador Club*
Student Ambassadors host visiting prospective students on school days, attend grade school recruiting visits, accompany the admissions staff to events, help give tours at open houses and alumni events, and call prospective students.
Contact:
Emily Sharockman esharockman@hill-murray.org
Krissy Pohl kpohl@hill-murray.org
Aquaponics*
Aquaponics is an integrated ecosystem of aquatic animals and hydroponically grown plants. The Aquaponics Club is responsible for the set-up and maintenance of several aquaponics systems in the school. Students work together to troubleshoot problems and learn about this important form of sustainable agriculture.
Contact:
Aran Glancy aglancy@hill-murray.org
Art Club*
Art club is a project-based club where members participate as often as they would like. Members meet monthly to decide on what fun art projects they want to work on together for the month, and then work on them when they can. Projects can be anything from a giant drawing mural, to a wire or ceramics sculpture, to an art print made with a printing press, to a digital artwork designed on the computer. Art supplies/computer equipment are provided. All are welcome.
Contact:
Sam Dahl sdahl@hill-murray.org
C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E. is the peer empowerment group at Hill-Murray with a goal of promoting healthy choices. The group sponsors several activities throughout the school year around the topics of overall wellness, healthy relationships, safe driving and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Contact:
Tracy Gist tgist@hill-murray.org
Choir*
The choral music program offers academic elective courses for grades 6-12 that focus on vocal technique, musicianship, reading skills, and performance practice. We also offer an extra-curricular auditioned ensemble for students in grades 9-12 called Pioneer Performers. (Auditions are in the Fall) Students who choose choir in middle school and high school perform throughout the year at school Masses, concerts at Hill-Murray and in venues outside of the school; during concert trips in-state, and at other events/performances.
Contact:
Therese Walth twalth@hill-murray.org
Craft Club*
Craft Club is open to all grades 6-12! Students can come work on a current craft they have, or learn a new craft! Students are learning to knit, crochet, scrapbook, paint, journal, embroider, create jewelry, create terrariums, or create anything else they want to work on!
Contact:
Erin Bourget ebourget@hill-murray.org
DECA
DECA is an international association of marketing students that prepares students for their future careers. Open to students in grades 9-12, our DECA Chapter meets weekly and students participate in activities which help them build skills for life. Members participate in a number of competitive events such as merchandising promotion plans, financial business challenges and entrepreneurship business plans. DECA members have opportunities to participate in district, state and national/international competitions.
Contact:
Kelly Donnelly kdonnelly@hill-murray.org
Dungeons and Dragons Club*
This club meets once a week to play Dungeons and Dragons or other Tabletop RPGs. There are several games running at a time, some run by staff members and others by the students themselves.
Contact:
Daly Myers dmyers@hill-murray.org
eSports*
Hill-Murray offers an eSports (electronic sports) program to all students in grades 8-12. eSports offers students the opportunity to participate in a collaborative, competitive gaming environment while representing Hill-Murray in various competitions. Games and leagues will vary from season to season.
Contact:
Paul Zappa pzappa@hill-murray.org
Film Club
The Film Club is for kids who love watching, making, or talking about movies! We meet twice a month during WIN and host the Pioneer Film Festival in the spring. This is perfect for any high school student who loves movies and wants to discuss them with like-minded students.
Contact:
Ben Pieper bpieper@hill-murray.org
Fishing Club*
What’s better than spending a day on the lake reeling in award-winning fish? The only thing better is doing that as a member of the HM Fishing team. The team is open to all levels of ability. Open to all boys and girls in grades 6-12.
Contact:
Sam Karr skarr1717@gmail.com
Flute Choir*
Open to all H-M students in grades 6-12. We rehearse on Thursday during WIN A. We have been invited to perform at the Upper Midwest Flute Association Convention this year. We have standard flutes, piccolo, alto and bass flutes. All are welcome – music can be adjusted and organized by skill and all will be challenged appropriately.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
French Club*
The mission for French Club is to promote the French language, as well as French and francophone culture, to students and the greater community. French Club is open to grades 6-12, and it is a great opportunity for students to increase their knowledge and appreciation of other cultures. Students do not need to be enrolled in French to join.
Contact:
Ben Obernolte bobernotle@hill-murray.org
Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Club
Open to girls in grades 9-12. This new club is going to focus on topics surrounding girls today. We will have time to discuss and share as well as invite speakers in or go on various outings. Topics to be covered include self-confidence, social media, anxiety, relationships, sexism, and more. This is an inclusive and safe group that aims to bring young women together and create a network of strong support.
Contact:
Kelly Schwartzbauer kschwartzbauer@hill-murray.org
H-M Students4Change
HM Students 4Change is a student-led group that seeks to create a welcoming school environment for all students. The group works on projects and initiatives such as No Place for Hate, of which Hill-Murray is a member, Black History Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and other education and awareness topics related to inclusivity. The group meets during WIN time and is open to senior high students.
Contact:
Ben Obernolte bobernolte@hill-murray.org
Hill-Murray Dance Team (HMDT)*
Dancers can be in 6th – 12th grade, and will perform at the Hill-Murray football games. Registration will occur in the Spring for the next Fall and practices start in August.
Contact:
Serene Deuth sdeuth@hill-murray.org
HOSA
HOSA is a club for future health professionals to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration, and experience. HOSA actively promotes career opportunities in the health industry to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. A member of HOSA is interested in learning more about health care opportunities and may even be willing to compete in specific health care events that interest them.
Contact:
Tania Lauby tlauby@hill-murray.org
Jazz Band*
The high school jazz band rehearses once a week before school and on Tuesdays during WIN. The jazz band performs about four times a year and participates in the MSHSL jazz festival. You don’t have to be in a music class to join this ensemble. All are welcome. We have two groups: one for high school and one for middle school.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Junior Achievement*
Junior Achievement (J.A.) is a program which teaches students how they can impact the world around them. The mission of J.A. is “To inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy”. J.A. helps students think not only as individuals, but also as workers and consumers. Students will participate in fun activities while learning about money management. Students will be exposed to budgeting, investments, career planning and more. The Hill-Murray co-curricular Club is open to students in grades 6-8.
Contact:
Kelly Donnelly kdonnelly@hill-murray.org
LINK Crew
Link Crew is a national organization devoted to creating a smooth transition from middle school to high school for all students. Upperclassmen are linked in pairs with a small group of freshmen for the year to provide a safe, friendly, positive year-long transition program and encourage freshmen to get involved in the Hill-Murray community.
Contact:
Rebecca Fandrich rfandrich@hill-murray.org
Marching Band
Marching Band is made up of members of the Wind Ensemble, Trailblazers Drumline, and Pioneer Period Music Classes. Rehearsals are during the class and students typically only march in the fall for the homecoming show. We have also traveled and marched in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu, HI.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Math Team*
The math team meets weekly to sharpen its mathematical problem solving skills. The team competes in five math meets sponsored by the Minnesota State High School Mathematics League; the top scoring high school team and the top scoring high school students in each division are invited to the state tournament in March.
Contact:
Jason Fisher (HS) jfisher@hill-murray.org
Aran Glancy (MS) aglancy@hill-murray.org
Mock Trial
The Minnesota High School Mock Trial Program is an exciting law-related education program that introduces students to the American legal system and allows them to build critical thinking and teamwork skills, as well as the basic skills learned in the classroom. Ideal for students interested in the law, the criminal justice system, and public speaking, Mock Trial competition cases take place in real courtrooms in front of real judges.
Contact:
Nick Misenor nmisenor@hill-murray.org
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society promotes enthusiasm for academics, encourages community service, promotes leadership, and develops character. Members are selected based on an objective, anonymous process, taking into account the accomplishments of students in the areas of leadership, character, and service. Students apply in their Junior year and serve in their Senior year.
Contact:
Serene Deuth sdeuth@hill-murray.org
Orchestra*
The Orchestra program offers two ensembles, middle school and high school, for string players to explore a diverse variety of repertoire. Emphasis is placed on developing technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills. Students of all experience levels are welcome. We play four concerts per year, plus opportunities for outside of school performances and travel.
Contact:
Averyel Bachelani abachelani@hill-murray.org
Peer Tutoring
Peer Listeners are juniors or seniors who have completed an intensive training session and can meet with fellow students who would like to talk confidentially about school, personal or interpersonal issues. Peer Tutors meet with fellow students who would like help in any subject area during study hall, lunchtime, before or after school.
Contact:
Doug Schwartz dschwartz@hill-murray.org
Pep Band*
The pep band is a catalyst for school spirit and plays exclusively pop and rock music at sporting events, pep fests, and other events. This group is made up of all band students in grades 9-12. 8th grade band students are invited to participate in the winter season.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Pioneer Investors
The Pioneer Investors club seeks to teach and inform the basics of money management, the stock market, and current economic topics to young students. With a real-money portfolio valued at over $10,000, students are able to make decisions with the club’s money and look at the risks/ rewards of such trades and actions. (9th – 12th grade)
Contact:
Kelly Donnelly kdonnelly@hill-murray.org
Poker Club
This club is for 12th grade students. In this club, you’ll learn about the theory of poker, expected value, pot odds, implied odds, risk management, how to count outs, hand reading, and many other skills that have value well beyond the game poker.
Contact:
Bob Bichler bbichler@hill-murray.org
Quiz Bowl*
Quiz Bowl is a game of questions and answers on all topics of knowledge including literature, history, science and math; social sciences; fine arts; geography; religion, mythology, and philosophy; and general knowledge. Quiz Bowl is generally played at tournaments. All students in grades 7-12 are welcome to join.
Contact:
Louise Head lhead@hill-murray.org
Christian Bjornson cbjornson@hill-murray.org
Robotics/Legos Robotics*
Robotics is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of technology, including CAD design, programming in multiple languages, and basic construction techniques. The Robotics club participates in For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition for our high school students.
Contact:
Ben Gapinski bgapinski@hill-murray.org
Saxophone Ensemble*
This ensemble is available for grades 6-12, beginners through advanced. Students do not need to be registered for a music class to join this group. All are welcome! This group will play 2-3 times this school year.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Service Activities*
All students are encouraged to engage in service work both at Hill-Murray and the greater community. Service is a graduation requirement for High School Students, students should check their Google Classroom page for more information. Opportunities for service experience for High School students are also posted on Google Classroom. Middle School students can participate in different service projects during WIN that are offered at various times during the school year. Every Tuesday is “Ministry Minute” on the morning announcements, which is when students can learn about the different upcoming service opportunities.
Contact:
Becky Fandrich rfandrich@hill-murray.org
Spanish Club
The Spanish Club helps students use their emerging language skills with native speakers in our community, assists students in exploring the rich Hispanic culture we have right here in Minnesota, and gives students an understanding of culture through arts and crafts and celebrations. Spanish Club members also have an opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. (*MS-8th)
Contact:
Kristen Luna kluna@hill-murray.org
Emma Garcia egarcia@hill-murray.org
Student Council
The Hill-Murray Student Council is a group of student delegates who are committed to improving the Hill-Murray experience for all students. Members of Student Council engage in service projects, work to improve student life, and encourage school spirit through the organization and planning of events throughout the year.
Contact:
Aaron Goulet agoulet@hill-murray.org
Kateri Trembley ktrembley@hill-murray.org
Student Council (Middle School)*
The MS Student Council welcomes all middle school students who wish to plan and organize events for the middle school students to enjoy. This includes WIN activities, activity nights like dances or open gyms, and end-of-the-year celebrations.
Contact:
Tiffany Deziel tdeziel@hill-murray.org
Theatre*
Hill-Murray Theatre enjoys a reputation in the greater community as one of the finest programs in the state, known for its professionalism, excellence, and outstanding programming. All students are welcome to audition and or get involved backstage with the Costume and Tech crews. The Theatre season consists of several productions throughout the year, as well as workshops led by local theatre professionals.
Contact:
Therese Walth twalth@hill-murray.org
W.E.B.*
W.E.B. (Where Everybody Belongs) is a group of 8th grade students who help our new middle school students adjust to life at Hill-Murray starting with Middle School Orientation Day and continuing throughout the school year to help ensure the year goes well.
Contact:
Beth Wackman ewackman@hill-murray.org
Alicia Myers amyers@hill-murray.org
Wind Ensemble*
At Hill-Murray, being part of our music program means having fun, working hard, and playing well! Wind Ensemble is offered as a class which combines pop, rock, and wind ensemble style music. This ensemble will be part of the Marching Band and Pep Band with rehearsals taking place during the class period. A CIS option is available for grades 10-12. We also have a separate middle school wind ensemble.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Young Innovators and Entrepreneurs Club*
Joining The Young Innovators and Entrepreneurs Club is a fun and engaging way for students to develop innovative ideas while solving problems that matter. Students will create a business plan and participate in a “Shark Tank” proposal. Participation in our Entrepreneurial Showcase will help these budding entrepreneurs practice skills and give them experiences they need to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The club will begin in late 2024, continue into second semester, and culminate with our entrepreneurial showcase in early spring. The Hill-Murray Co-Curricular Club is open to students in grades 6-8.
Contact:
Kelly Donnelly kdonnelly@hill-murray.org
French Club*
The mission for French Club is to promote the French language, as well as French and francophone culture, to students and the greater community. French Club is open to grades 6-12, and it is a great opportunity for students to increase their knowledge and appreciation of other cultures. Students do not need to be enrolled in French to join.
Contact:
Ben Obernolte bobernotle@hill-murray.org
Math Team*
The math team meets weekly to sharpen its mathematical problem solving skills. The team competes in five math meets sponsored by the Minnesota State High School Mathematics League; the top scoring high school team and the top scoring high school students in each division are invited to the state tournament in March.
Contact:
Jason Fisher (HS) jfisher@hill-murray.org
Aran Glancy (MS) aglancy@hill-murray.org
Quiz Bowl*
Quiz Bowl is a game of questions and answers on all topics of knowledge including literature, history, science and math; social sciences; fine arts; geography; religion, mythology, and philosophy; and general knowledge. Quiz Bowl is generally played at tournaments. All students in grades 7-12 are welcome to join.
Contact:
Louise Head lhead@hill-murray.org
Christian Bjornson cbjornson@hill-murray.org
Robotics/Legos Robotics*
Robotics is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of technology, including CAD design, programming in multiple languages, and basic construction techniques. The Robotics club participates in For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition for our high school students.
Contact:
Ben Gapinski bgapinski@hill-murray.org
Spanish Club
The Spanish Club helps students use their emerging language skills with native speakers in our community, assists students in exploring the rich Hispanic culture we have right here in Minnesota, and gives students an understanding of culture through arts and crafts and celebrations. Spanish Club members also have an opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. (*MS-8th)
Contact:
Kristen Luna kluna@hill-murray.org
Emma Garcia egarcia@hill-murray.org
Art Club*
Art club is a project-based club where members participate as often as they would like. Members meet monthly to decide on what fun art projects they want to work on together for the month, and then work on them when they can. Projects can be anything from a giant drawing mural, to a wire or ceramics sculpture, to an art print made with a printing press, to a digital artwork designed on the computer. Art supplies/computer equipment are provided. All are welcome.
Contact:
Sam Dahl sdahl@hill-murray.org
Craft Club*
Craft Club is open to all grades 6-12! Students can come work on a current craft they have, or learn a new craft! Students are learning to knit, crochet, scrapbook, paint, journal, embroider, create jewelry, create terrariums, or create anything else they want to work on!
Contact:
Erin Bourget ebourget@hill-murray.org
Film Club
The Film Club is for kids who love watching, making, or talking about movies! We meet twice a month during WIN and host the Pioneer Film Festival in the spring. This is perfect for any high school student who loves movies and wants to discuss them with like-minded students.
Contact:
Ben Pieper bpieper@hill-murray.org
Theatre*
Hill-Murray Theatre enjoys a reputation in the greater community as one of the finest programs in the state, known for its professionalism, excellence, and outstanding programming. All students are welcome to audition and or get involved backstage with the Costume and Tech crews. The Theatre season consists of several productions throughout the year, as well as workshops led by local theatre professionals.
Contact:
Therese Walth twalth@hill-murray.org
Alpine Ski Club
The Hill-Murray Ski Club is available to any Hill-Murray students in grades 6-12. Interested students may ride the Ski Team bus to and from Afton Alps on any regular Ski Team practice night. Ski Club members must sign up in advance, and the bus ride is on a space available basis. Ski Team members have priority and all students must reserve their bus spot by using TeamSnap. There will be a fall meeting for all potential Ski Team and Ski Club members.
Contact:
Mark Lindemer alpineskicoach@hill-murray.com
eSports*
Hill-Murray offers an eSports (electronic sports) program to all students in grades 8-12. eSports offers students the opportunity to participate in a collaborative, competitive gaming environment while representing Hill-Murray in various competitions. Games and leagues will vary from season to season.
Contact:
Paul Zappa pzappa@hill-murray.org
Fishing Club*
What’s better than spending a day on the lake reeling in award-winning fish? The only thing better is doing that as a member of the HM Fishing team. The team is open to all levels of ability. Open to all boys and girls in grades 6-12.
Contact:
Sam Karr skarr1717@gmail.com
Hill-Murray Dance Team (HMDT)*
Dancers can be in 6th – 12th grade, and will perform at the Hill-Murray football games. Registration will occur in the Spring for the next Fall and practices start in August.
Contact:
Serene Deuth sdeuth@hill-murray.org
DECA
DECA is an international association of marketing students that prepares students for their future careers. Open to students in grades 9-12, our DECA Chapter meets weekly and students participate in activities which help them build skills for life. Members participate in a number of competitive events such as merchandising promotion plans, financial business challenges and entrepreneurship business plans. DECA members have opportunities to participate in district, state and national/international competitions.
Contact:
Kelly Donnelly kdonnelly@hill-murray.org
HOSA
HOSA is a club for future health professionals to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration, and experience. HOSA actively promotes career opportunities in the health industry to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. A member of HOSA is interested in learning more about health care opportunities and may even be willing to compete in specific health care events that interest them.
Contact:
Tania Lauby tlauby@hill-murray.org
Junior Achievement*
Junior Achievement (J.A.) is a program which teaches students how they can impact the world around them. The mission of J.A. is “To inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy”. J.A. helps students think not only as individuals, but also as workers and consumers. Students will participate in fun activities while learning about money management. Students will be exposed to budgeting, investments, career planning and more. The Hill-Murray co-curricular Club is open to students in grades 6-8.
Contact:
Kelly Donnelly kdonnelly@hill-murray.org
Mock Trial
The Minnesota High School Mock Trial Program is an exciting law-related education program that introduces students to the American legal system and allows them to build critical thinking and teamwork skills, as well as the basic skills learned in the classroom. Ideal for students interested in the law, the criminal justice system, and public speaking, Mock Trial competition cases take place in real courtrooms in front of real judges.
Contact:
Nick Misenor nmisenor@hill-murray.org
Pioneer Investors
The Pioneer Investors club seeks to teach and inform the basics of money management, the stock market, and current economic topics to young students. With a real-money portfolio valued at over $10,000, students are able to make decisions with the club’s money and look at the risks/ rewards of such trades and actions. (9th – 12th grade)
Contact:
Kelly Donnelly kdonnelly@hill-murray.org
Young Innovators and Entrepreneurs Club*
Joining The Young Innovators and Entrepreneurs Club is a fun and engaging way for students to develop innovative ideas while solving problems that matter. Students will create a business plan and participate in a “Shark Tank” proposal. Participation in our Entrepreneurial Showcase will help these budding entrepreneurs practice skills and give them experiences they need to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The club will begin in late 2024, continue into second semester, and culminate with our entrepreneurial showcase in early spring. The Hill-Murray Co-Curricular Club is open to students in grades 6-8.
Contact:
Kelly Donnelly kdonnelly@hill-murray.org
Ambassador Club*
Student Ambassadors host visiting prospective students on school days, attend grade school recruiting visits, accompany the admissions staff to events, help give tours at open houses and alumni events, and call prospective students.
Contact:
Emily Sharockman esharockman@hill-murray.org
Krissy Pohl kpohl@hill-murray.org
H-M Students4Change
HM Students 4Change is a student-led group that seeks to create a welcoming school environment for all students. The group works on projects and initiatives such as No Place for Hate, of which Hill-Murray is a member, Black History Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and other education and awareness topics related to inclusivity. The group meets during WIN time and is open to senior high students.
Contact:
Ben Obernolte bobernolte@hill-murray.org
LINK Crew
Link Crew is a national organization devoted to creating a smooth transition from middle school to high school for all students. Upperclassmen are linked in pairs with a small group of freshmen for the year to provide a safe, friendly, positive year-long transition program and encourage freshmen to get involved in the Hill-Murray community.
Contact:
Rebecca Fandrich rfandrich@hill-murray.org
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society promotes enthusiasm for academics, encourages community service, promotes leadership, and develops character. Members are selected based on an objective, anonymous process, taking into account the accomplishments of students in the areas of leadership, character, and service. Students apply in their Junior year and serve in their Senior year.
Contact:
Serene Deuth sdeuth@hill-murray.org
Peer Tutoring
Peer Listeners are juniors or seniors who have completed an intensive training session and can meet with fellow students who would like to talk confidentially about school, personal or interpersonal issues. Peer Tutors meet with fellow students who would like help in any subject area during study hall, lunchtime, before or after school.
Contact:
Doug Schwartz dschwartz@hill-murray.org
Service Activities*
All students are encouraged to engage in service work both at Hill-Murray and the greater community. Service is a graduation requirement for High School Students, students should check their Google Classroom page for more information. Opportunities for service experience for High School students are also posted on Google Classroom. Middle School students can participate in different service projects during WIN that are offered at various times during the school year. Every Tuesday is “Ministry Minute” on the morning announcements, which is when students can learn about the different upcoming service opportunities.
Contact:
Becky Fandrich rfandrich@hill-murray.org
Student Council
The Hill-Murray Student Council is a group of student delegates who are committed to improving the Hill-Murray experience for all students. Members of Student Council engage in service projects, work to improve student life, and encourage school spirit through the organization and planning of events throughout the year.
Contact:
Aaron Goulet agoulet@hill-murray.org
Kateri Trembley ktrembley@hill-murray.org
Student Council (Middle School)*
The MS Student Council welcomes all middle school students who wish to plan and organize events for the middle school students to enjoy. This includes WIN activities, activity nights like dances or open gyms, and end-of-the-year celebrations.
Contact:
Tiffany Deziel tdeziel@hill-murray.org
W.E.B.*
W.E.B. (Where Everybody Belongs) is a group of 8th grade students who help our new middle school students adjust to life at Hill-Murray starting with Middle School Orientation Day and continuing throughout the school year to help ensure the year goes well.
Contact:
Beth Wackman ewackman@hill-murray.org
Alicia Myers amyers@hill-murray.org
Choir*
The choral music program offers academic elective courses for grades 6-12 that focus on vocal technique, musicianship, reading skills, and performance practice. We also offer an extra-curricular auditioned ensemble for students in grades 9-12 called Pioneer Performers. (Auditions are in the Fall) Students who choose choir in middle school and high school perform throughout the year at school Masses, concerts at Hill-Murray and in venues outside of the school; during concert trips in-state, and at other events/performances.
Contact:
Therese Walth twalth@hill-murray.org
Flute Choir*
Open to all H-M students in grades 6-12. We rehearse on Thursday during WIN A. We have been invited to perform at the Upper Midwest Flute Association Convention this year. We have standard flutes, piccolo, alto and bass flutes. All are welcome – music can be adjusted and organized by skill and all will be challenged appropriately.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Jazz Band*
The high school jazz band rehearses once a week before school and on Tuesdays during WIN. The jazz band performs about four times a year and participates in the MSHSL jazz festival. You don’t have to be in a music class to join this ensemble. All are welcome. We have two groups: one for high school and one for middle school.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Marching Band
Marching Band is made up of members of the Wind Ensemble, Trailblazers Drumline, and Pioneer Period Music Classes. Rehearsals are during the class and students typically only march in the fall for the homecoming show. We have also traveled and marched in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu, HI.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Orchestra*
The Orchestra program offers two ensembles, middle school and high school, for string players to explore a diverse variety of repertoire. Emphasis is placed on developing technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills. Students of all experience levels are welcome. We play four concerts per year, plus opportunities for outside of school performances and travel.
Contact:
Averyel Bachelani abachelani@hill-murray.org
Pep Band*
The pep band is a catalyst for school spirit and plays exclusively pop and rock music at sporting events, pep fests, and other events. This group is made up of all band students in grades 9-12. 8th grade band students are invited to participate in the winter season.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Saxophone Ensemble*
This ensemble is available for grades 6-12, beginners through advanced. Students do not need to be registered for a music class to join this group. All are welcome! This group will play 2-3 times this school year.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Wind Ensemble*
At Hill-Murray, being part of our music program means having fun, working hard, and playing well! Wind Ensemble is offered as a class which combines pop, rock, and wind ensemble style music. This ensemble will be part of the Marching Band and Pep Band with rehearsals taking place during the class period. A CIS option is available for grades 10-12. We also have a separate middle school wind ensemble.
Contact:
Traci Youngs tyoungs@hill-murray.org
Aquaponics*
Aquaponics is an integrated ecosystem of aquatic animals and hydroponically grown plants. The Aquaponics Club is responsible for the set-up and maintenance of several aquaponics systems in the school. Students work together to troubleshoot problems and learn about this important form of sustainable agriculture.
Contact:
Aran Glancy aglancy@hill-murray.org
C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E. is the peer empowerment group at Hill-Murray with a goal of promoting healthy choices. The group sponsors several activities throughout the school year around the topics of overall wellness, healthy relationships, safe driving and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Contact:
Tracy Gist tgist@hill-murray.org
Dungeons and Dragons Club*
This club meets once a week to play Dungeons and Dragons or other Tabletop RPGs. There are several games running at a time, some run by staff members and others by the students themselves.
Contact:
Daly Myers dmyers@hill-murray.org
Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Club
Open to girls in grades 9-12. This new club is going to focus on topics surrounding girls today. We will have time to discuss and share as well as invite speakers in or go on various outings. Topics to be covered include self-confidence, social media, anxiety, relationships, sexism, and more. This is an inclusive and safe group that aims to bring young women together and create a network of strong support.
Contact:
Kelly Schwartzbauer kschwartzbauer@hill-murray.org
Poker Club
This club is for 12th grade students. In this club, you’ll learn about the theory of poker, expected value, pot odds, implied odds, risk management, how to count outs, hand reading, and many other skills that have value well beyond the game poker.
Contact:
Bob Bichler bbichler@hill-murray.org