Music

Concert Band

Studies and performs high school-level wind literature. Includes progressive studies in wind instrument and percussion performance. Provides opportunity for individual participation in SCBDA Region and All-State Band auditions and clinics and group participation Concert Performance Assessment. Selected band members join the orchestra to perform symphony literature. Individual grades determined by rehearsal conduct, terms quizzes, and occasional playing tests.

• Placement is by previous band/instrumental experience, interview with conductor, or by audition
• Required performance attire detailed below

Concert Band: Honors

In addition to being a member of the Concert Band, the student will complete a rotating cycle of assignments relating to music theory, practice habits, and wind band literature.

• Meets concurrently with Concert Band
• For grades 11 and 12
• By invitation or audition
• Required performance attire detailed below

Orchestra

in RA

Studies and performs high school-level and advanced orchestral music. Includes participation in chamber music groups, recitals, state contests and festivals, and outreaches.

• By audition
• Required performance attire detailed below

Orchestra: Honors

In addition to being a member of the Orchestra, the student will take 12 private lessons per semester with an approved teacher; complete music theory workbook projects, music history reports or presentations and ear-training projects; and participate in two solo performance competitions (e.g., Region Orchestra audition, BJA Solo competition, MTNA competition, SCMEA Solo Competition).

• Meets concurrently with Orchestra
• For grades 11 and 12
• By invitation or audition
• Required performance attire detailed below

Concert Choir

Studies and performs high school-level and advanced choral music. Introduces basic music theory and develops sight-singing, musicianship, and choral tone. Includes weekly practice assignments. Presents music from several style periods in both sacred and secular formats. Participates in SCMEA choral festival and several community outreaches.

• Audition not necessary
• Required performance attire detailed below

Concert Choir: Honors

In addition to being a member of the Choir, the student will take 12 private lessons per semester with an approved teacher, complete music theory and ear-training projects, and participate in solo performance competition (e.g., BJA Solo competition, NATS competition).

• Meets concurrently with Concert Choir
• For grades 11 and 12
• By invitation or audition
• Required performance attire detailed below

Handbell Choir

Emphasizes development of ensemble skills and personal musicianship. Includes study of a comprehensive range of repertoire, performing transcriptions of standard repertoire from across the music periods, intermediate and advanced original handbell compositions, and challenging arrangements of hymns and folk songs.

• By audition
• Required performance attire detailed below
• $35 handbell usage fee per semester

Handbell Choir: Honors

In addition to being a member of the handbell choir, the student will prepare a solo or ensemble of medium difficulty each semester; complete music theory and ear-training projects; and select, prepare, and conduct a full choir handbell piece in performance.

• Meets concurrently with Handbell Choir
• For grades 11 and 12
• By invitation or audition
• Required performance attire detailed below
• $35 handbell usage fee per semester

Private Music Lessons

BJA offers the opportunity for students to not only participate in music groups but also take music lessons while at school—before, after or during the school day. For more about all music lessons click here.

High School Instrumental Concert Attire

Women: Concert black—black dress slacks or floor- or ankle-length skirt; black top with conservative neckline and three-quarter or long sleeves; black closed-toe dress shoes. (Ladies who are also in concert choir may wear their choir dress.)

Men: Black tuxedo coat and pants or black dress suit (not double-breasted or three-buttoned); black dress shoes and socks; white tuxedo shirt or dress shirt; group accessories announced and ordered in class. (Men in handbell choir do not wear a coat.)

High School Choral Concert Attire

Women: Floor or ankle-length black formal gown with three-quarter or long sleeves; black closed-toe dress shoes. (Many ladies wear a black “performance knit” dress available from Formal Fashions Inc—style 49N53AA.)

Men: Black tuxedo coat and pants or black dress suit (not double-breasted or three-buttoned); black dress shoes and socks; white tuxedo shirt; black cummerbund and bow tie.