West Metro

Blake School sets admissions events

The Blake School invites families to learn more about the private school on Jan. 11, 13 and 16.

On Jan. 11, Blake will offer a financial assistance workshop at its Hopkins campus, 110 Blake Road S., from 9 to 11 a.m.

On Jan. 13 and 16, prospective families are invited to attend admission information meetings. The Jan. 13 event, which will be geared toward students in grades 9-12, will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Blake Upper School campus, 511 Kenwood Pkwy., Minneapolis.

On Jan. 16, the school will host an event for families of students in grades preK through 8 at its Hopkins campus. It will be held from 6:45 to 9 p.m.

Located on three campuses, Blake enrolls approximately 1,370 students from more than 55 communities in and around the Twin Cities. For more information, go to www.blakeschool.org or call 952-988-3420. All admissions and financial assistance applications must be received by Jan. 31.

Eden Prairie

Choral piece to debut at district concert

"I Thread the Stars," a commissioned piece of choral music written for Eden Prairie public schools, will have its premiere on Jan. 13 at the district choral festival.

Funding for the project was provided by the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools, which gave a $3,500 grant to the choral department last spring. The department contacted composer Tim Takach, a 1996 graduate of Eden Prairie High School, and asked him to write music specifically for young voices.

Takach studied music composition at St. Olaf College in Northfield, graduating with honors. He lives in Minneapolis and sings with Cantus, a professional male vocal ensemble.

The district choral festival will be in the main gym at Eden Prairie High School and is free and open to the public. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

St. Louis Park

Groves Academy hosts gap year program

USA Gap Year Fairs will present a free program at Groves Academy from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23 designed for counselors, parents and students.

USA Gap Year Fairs provide exposure to the wide variety of programs designed for students for the year between high school and the next step in life. The year often provides time to develop independence and confidence.

KIM McGUIRE