BCS Music Department
“I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”  General Music Classes All students in grades K-8 receive weekly general music instruction. These classes focus on: singing, playing instruments, movement, critical listening skills, composition, music reading skills, music theory, and music history. The curriculum is based on the National Standards for Music Education (MENC).
Chorus Program All students in grades K-8 participate in the chorus program. Each group performs in both the Christmas and Spring Concerts. Below are the target skills for each age group: K-1st Chorus: singing on pitch with an age-appropriate vocal tone, learning standard “Sunday School” songs and other seasonal songs. 2nd-4th Chorus: singing on pitch with an age-appropriate vocal tone, singing rounds and partner songs as an introduction to harmony, learning praise and worship choruses and standard hymns, learning traditional folk songs as well as contemporary literature. 5th- 8th Grade Chorus: singing with a proper vocal tone, learning proper breathing techniques for supported singing, singing in a two-part vocal ensemble to create harmony, learning contemporary praise and worship music as well as standard hymns, learning standard choral repertoire in English and foreign languages.
Select Choir  The Select Choir is an auditioned ensemble for students in 5th- 8th grade. This group practices for 40 minutes once a week. This group performs at both the Christmas and Spring Concerts, as well as Arts Festivals, local churches, and various other community events. The target skills for this ensemble are: singing in a two-part ensemble to create harmony, using proper vocal tone to create a balanced blend between group members, learning challenging choral repertoire (sacred and secular) in English and foreign languages. In April 2011, the Select Choir received a rating of “excellent” at the ASCI (Association of Christian Schools International) Fine and Performing Arts Festival.
Instrumental Lessons Students in grades 3-8 are eligible to take instrumental lessons. Students are able to either rent or purchase instruments at local music stores. Each student receives a half hour lesson each week. Our program currently offers lessons on the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. Payment options for the lessons can be arranged though the office. Each student plays in both the Winter Instrumental Recital and the Spring Instrumental Recital.
Band This group combines both younger and older students. Students are selected for the ensemble based on teacher recommendation once required skills are obtained. Band practices for 40 minutes once a week. Target skills for this ensemble are: learning to play as part of a group, tuning, and playing songs in unison as well as in harmony.
Advanced Ensemble This ensemble is for more experienced instrumental players. Students are selected for this group based on teacher recommendation. Advanced Ensemble practices for 40 minutes once a week. Target skills for this group are: playing standard band literature, playing in tune, and playing music expressively with proper dynamics.
Serving the Community Through Music The music department strives to encourage service learning among students of all ages. Each year the chorus classes travel to various places in the community to perform. During the 2010-2011 school year, BCS presented selections from our concerts at the Adult Daycare Center in Fairton and The Margaret Winchester Center for the Blind in Hopewell. Annual Music Department Performances Christmas Concerts Winter Instrumental Recital BCS Talent Show Spring Concerts Spring Instrumental Recital 8th Grade Graduation |
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Music Department |
