Minnetonka Middle School East

Seth Boyd

Seth brings a natural theatrical spark and creativity to his students at MME. He has been a part of the Minnetonka Choir family for 11 years- his entire professional teaching career.

The music bug showed signs early, as he was singing before he was even talking. His 9 years at YMCA summer camps, as a child care counselor and assistant director, let him know he had a knack for working with kids. His education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and a Master’s degree in Differentiated Instruction from Concordia University-St. Paul. 

He enjoys being on the ground floor, teaching kids music-making, and seeing what they can do.

He spends his time outside of teaching, directing the Tonka District Children’s Choir, and singing in the choir at St Joan of Arc. Every year, he writes and records a song for his wife. 

Jen Hazen

With a lifelong love of music, Jen began singing in choirs in 5th grade. She was also a part of all-district choirs; singing has always been her hobby.

Jen pursued her undergraduate degree at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where she majored in music with a minor in Education and Classics in 2010. She began teaching in Minnetonka in 2011, and after spending two years at the elementary level at Minnewashta, she moved to Minnetonka Middle School East where she has been teaching choir ever since.

Jen served as co-chair for the MN-ACDA 4-5-6 State Honor Choir for four years from 2016-2020 and, starting in 2021, pursued her Master’s degree in Trauma and Resilience in Education, graduating from Concordia University in St. Paul in 2023. She also directs the music for the MME fall 6th grade musical each year.

She is passionate about creating an environment in which students feel safe being vulnerable, so they can find and explore their voices. She has found her joy teaching at the middle school level and getting to know students through humor and compassion.

Minnetonka Middle School WEST

Carol Carlson

As a former student and Skipper herself, Carol Carlson has spent many years as part of the Minnetonka School District.

In the early part of her career, she conducted the 9th-grade Choristers at Minnetonka High School, before taking a hiatus to raise her children. She returned to teaching in 2007, as part of the Minnetonka Middle School music team, teaching classroom music.  

Carol graduated with a BA in Music from Bemidji State University and received her teaching certificate from the University of North Dakota. She earned her Master’s degree from St. Mary's and is licensed in K-12 Vocal and Classroom Music.

Her early love of music can be recalled with the memories she made learning ukulele, singing, and playing the synthesizer in music class at Clear Springs Elementary. In middle school, it became clear to her that her special love was playing the piano and singing, and she got to experience both at MMW. She continued her love and involvement in music throughout her high school career and has great memories of her time with the MHS Choir.

She continues to stay involved with musicals at MHS as a pit and performance pianist.

“I absolutely love it when I see kids realize that they can do it. I love working together with a group of students to present a wonderful concert, and I love the pride and joy that I see on the kids’ faces after a job well done.”

Jena Menke

Jena Menke’s connection to choral music began in fourth grade with her participation in "All-City Chorus.” By her sophomore year of high school, she was selected for the prestigious MN All-State SSA Choir, a defining experience that sparked a lifelong passion for Vocal Music Education. 

Since 1999, Ms. Menke has been an integral part of the Minnetonka Public School District. As Vocal Department Chair, she oversees district-wide vocal programming while directing the curricular choirs and The Honor Choir at Minnetonka Middle School West (MMW). Over the years, she has also served as Assistant Director for the District Third Grade Choir, and Vocal Director for the MMW All-School Musical.

Her expertise as an educator and performer has also made her a trusted voice in the broader choral community, where she has served on the Board of Directors for the esteemed Minnesota Chorale, and as an audition judge for ACDA-MN State Honor Choir auditions. Ms. Menke holds a Bachelor of Science in K–12 Vocal and Classroom Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Education. Grounded in a lifetime of music-making, she remains dedicated to inspiring young singers and fostering a warm, collaborative, and joyful environment for every student.