Come Play and Sing With Us!

Elective sign-ups at BJH begin this week (May 17). If you are a “new to BJH musician”, a “returning musician”, or a “continuing musician”, we are SO HAPPY to have you join our BJH music family! If you’re still unsure about what being part of the BJH Music Program is all about, we encourage you to check out the following “frequently asked questions”:

FAQ’s on scheduling Band and Chorus at BJH!

 

  • Can I schedule Concert Band if I did not play last year? Yes! If you have played your instrument in the past but did not participate during Covid remote band, we encourage you to schedule Band for next year. There will be time to brush up on your skills during class. Make sure your instrument is in working condition and you have the materials you need like reeds and valve/slide oil and you are good to go!  
  • Can I schedule Chorus if I did not sing last year? Yes! You may schedule Chorus even if you have never participated in chorus before!  
  • Do I have to stay after school or come to school early to be in band or chorus?  No!  Band and Chorus are core, academic classes at BJH. We are scheduled during the school day and you will receive a grade for this class on your report card. 
  • What should I do if I am not sure I want to schedule Band or chorus?  Schedule it and give it a try! It is much easier to drop the class if it doesn’t work out than trying to join after we get started. Students have 2 weeks at the beginning of the school year to experience our performing ensembles to make a choice. After that, students are committed for the remainder of the school year.  
  • How can I be in Jazz Band or Wind Ensemble?  These ensembles are extra-curricular activities which means they rehearse outside the school day. To be a member of these ensembles, you must be an active member in good standing in the concert band. Ms. Anderson will choose members for these ensembles from the concert band students.  
  • How can I be in Advanced Choir or Jazz Choir?  These ensembles are extra-curricular activities which means they rehearse outside the school day. To be a member of these ensembles, you must be an active member in good standing in the chorus. Mrs. Tarleton will choose members for these ensembles from the chorus students.  
  • Can I take both Band and Chorus? Yes! In fact, we encourage our musicians to actively participate in both Band and Chorus! Why? It helps our student musicians be stronger in all of the skills a musician needs to be successful!  
  • If I take both Band and Chorus, will I have a study hall? No. We find that our top musicians manage just fine without having a study hall. They also are high academic students, student leaders and athletes.    
  • I have never played an instrument before. Should I schedule Beginning Band?  If you are learning a traditional band instrument for the first time, your choice should be Beginning Band. Beginning Band is an accelerated course that will teach beginning instrumentalists the foundation skills on their instrument so they can join the 6th Grade Concert Band for the second semester. This class moves quickly and requires the dedication and time needed to be a successful musician in a short amount of time. This class is only for incoming 6th graders and is only offered during the first semester. Students who successfully complete the technical and ensemble standards of Beginning Band will be enrolled in 6th Grade Concert Band for Semester 2.  
  • If I am going to be in 7th or 8th grade, can I schedule 3 electives?  Yes! You may schedule Band, Chorus and World Language. These classes do not conflict on your schedule and it is possible and encouraged that you actively participate in all of them! 

 

Do you have more questions? Please feel free to contact:

Heidi Anderson:  handerson@brunswicksd.org  Instrumental Music
Shari Tarleton:  starleton@brunswicksd.org  Choral Music/Beginning Band

 

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