Concerts
Class Notes Concerts are free, in-person concerts performed by Minnesota-based artists in Minnesota schools.
Traditional funding sources for Class Notes have been severely diminished for the 2025-26 school year. As we explore new funding models, Class Notes and Minnesota Public Radio remain committed to serving teachers, students, and the community in several ways.
In the 2025-26 school year, Class Notes Concerts offered a limited number of metro-area concerts via sign-up sheet. Teachers from the 2024-25 wait list had priority. Those slots are now full. If you were not able to book a concert and want to be added to the waitlist, please email classnotes@mpr.org to indicate interest.
Tours and concerts in greater MN will be arranged separately. Interested teachers outside the 7-county metro area should email classnotes@mpr.org.
In addition to Concerts, the Class Notes Lesson Library launched a series of 33 Beginning Band Videos/Lessons in late August, and more free digital content will be published throughout the school year. We are launching our inaugural Teen Council and are now accepting applications! Click here to learn more and apply. We also plan to continue our annual Teacher Appreciation Event. Stay tuned for updates.
Artists
4 Low Pitches
About the Ensemble: 4 Low Pitches are a quartet who use humor and excitement to showcase the versatility and flexibility of the bass clarinet. Available for 1 concert a day.
Box Cat Music
About the Ensemble: Box Cat Music are a songwriting duo that features vocals, cello, and guitar.
Charles Lazarus
About the Ensemble: Trumpeter Charles Lazarus is a member of the Minnesota Orchestra and a multi-faceted musician who has charted a unique course as performer, composer, producer and band leader. Available for up to 3 concerts a day.
Flipside Percussion
About the Ensemble: Flipside Percussion are a trio featuring mallet instruments and drum set. They present a wide range of musical styles and embrace improvisation as a core musical value. Available for 1 concert a day.
Heartstrings
About the Ensemble: Heartstrings are a multi-instrumental duo featuring cello, guitar, or piano. They play a wide range of repertoire with an emphasis on improvisation. Heartstrings are available for concerts within one hour of Milaca, MN. Please contact us with booking inquiries.
Julie Johnson
About the Ensemble: Julie Johnson is a flutist who integrates looping and effect pedals into original arrangements and compositions. Available for up to 3 concerts a day.
La Grande Bande
About the Ensemble: La Grande Bande are a voice, viola da gamba, and harpsichord trio that specialize in Baroque music and also plays music from other eras. La Grande Bande are available for concerts within one hour of Gaylord, MN. Please contact us with booking inquiries.
Lake Minnetonka String Quintet
About the Ensemble: Five lifelong friends play their string instruments together, blending classical training with custom arrangements of pop tunes. Available for 1 concert a day.
Liz Pearse
About the Ensemble: Liz Pearse is a vocalist who explores lots of different ways of singing and helps the audience understand that their voice is an instrument. Liz Pearse is available for concerts within one hour of Winona, MN. Please contact us with booking inquiries.
Lux String Quartet
About the Ensemble: Lux String Quartet perform classical music focusing on 20th and 21st-century repertoire and works by living composers. Available for up to 3 concerts a day.
The Minnesota Winds Trio
About the Ensemble: The Minnesota Winds Trio consist of three representatives of the newly-founded Minnesota Winds professional concert band. Available for up to 3 concerts a day.
Nordstär Duo
About the Ensemble: Nordstär Duo perform Swedish folk music on traditional instruments, including the nyckelharpa, the säckpipa, and the wooden flute. Available for up to 2 concerts a day.
Nyttu Chongo
About the Artist: Nyttu Chongo performs and composes African folk music using a variety of instruments from Mozambique and Rwanda. Available for up to 2 concerts a day.
Son de Cuerdas
About the Ensemble: Son de Cuerdas are a cello, harp, and piano trio, presenting classical repertoire with an emphasis on Latin American composers. Available for 1 concert a day.
Steam Machine
About the Ensemble: Steam Machine are a music and dance ensemble that perform old-time and bluegrass music. Available for 1 concert a day.
Titambe
About the Ensemble: Titambe are a powerful and energetic West African Dance and Drum ensemble. Available for 1 concert a day.
Train House Friends
About the Ensemble: Train House Friends are a trio of friends from diverse musical backgrounds. A classically trained cellist, a rural-raised banjo player, and a jazz/gospel keyboardist join together to explore collaboration, improvisation, and the boundaries of musical genre. Available for up to 2 concerts a day.
FAQs
Answers to the most common questions. If you can‘t find an answer please contact us.
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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
