Fine Arts

Director: Brady Krusemark

The Mankato West Band Program has many facets that are centered around the full band experience. There are two bands that rehearse daily during school, The West Concert Band and the Symphonic Band. They both perform in the Fall Montage, Holiday Concert, Contest/Concert and the Spring Concert. Both groups participate in the Region 2AA Large Group and Solo/Ensemble Contests. Membership from both groups is drawn for Pep Band, Homecoming and Commencement. Concert Band membership is by audition. They also participate in the Big Nine Music Festival and travel every other year with Jazz 1. The Jazz Bands are very active at West High School and are open to all band members 9-12 by audition. They practice before school and participate in a variety of concerts, school assemblies and jazz festivals. Percussion Ensemble and other ensembles are formed as interest dictates. 

Director: Claire Baker

The choirs at Mankato West offer all singers an opportunity to enjoy performing music of many cultures and styles. There are three choirs at West that rehearse each day. All the choirs perform at three major concerts each year and participate in the Region 2AA Large Group Contest. The Concert Choir also performs at the annual Big 9 Music Festival, Homecoming and Commencement. Membership is by audition. West Connection is an auditioned jazz choir that rehearses before school and participates in various concerts and festivals. Other ensembles are formed as interest dictates. 

Director: Eberhard Engel

Orchestra is open to all students who play a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello and bass) and rehearses daily.  During the year, the orchestra performs several concerts including the Holiday Concert, StringFest, the BIG 9 Music Festival, and the Spring Orchestra Concert.  Along these concerts we participate in the 2AA Large Group Contest and solo ensemble.  Winds, brass, and percussion are added to the strings to perform music written for full orchestra on Wednesdays beginning in the middle of October.  Orchestra members also have the opportunity to be in Chamber Orchestra I (audition group) and Chamber Orchestra II.  These groups meet before school on Thursday and Friday.  The orchestra takes a major tour every two to three years.

Director: Paul Christianson

The theatre program at Mankato West High School provides opportunity for all students in grades 9-12 to participate in all aspects of play production, including acting, set construction, makeup, lighting, sound, costuming, publicity and directing.

Mankato West High School Drama Department