Programs & Services

Music

The performing arts department of the Brewster Central School District is committed to providing as many opportunities for the most students at the highest performance level possible. All of the activities within the department can be divided into two separate yet symbiotic experiences.

CURRICULAR
Approximately 2900 students in grades K-9 are receiving weekly classroom music instruction during the school day. They are being educated in various aspects of music education such as notation, pitch, rhythm, instrument recognition, historical and ethnic effects on music and evaluation of the many styles of music which exist throughout history. Implementation of a new music series "Share the Music" from McGraw-Hill took place in the 2001-02 school year in grades K-5. This new totally coordinated approach allows the teacher to anticipate the knowledge and ability of the incoming student as well as to challenge the learner with the newest trends in performance. Music in our Lives is a music course offering in the high school which allows students to receive the mandated credit for music and focuses on the historical and social impacts of popular music on American society. Students who are enrolled in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Treble Chorus, or Mixed Chorus have the option of allowing their participation in a performing organization to fulfill their high school music requirement.

In addition to the classes which fulfill the mandate, the high school performing arts department offers Music Theory I & II. These courses are designed to be a more intensive study of the various elements of music such as composition, texture, notation and harmony. A prerequisite of a NYSSMA Level IV is recommended.

Theater, a very popular activity in the Brewster Central School District, involves approximately 300 students district wide. The high school offers a course in Theater Production and Technology for those students who are interested in studying various aspects of the stage production including acting, directing, producing, casting, stagecraft, sound design, lighting design, and dramaturgy.

Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Mixed Chorus, Treble Chorus and Orchestra are performing organizations, which involve students in the elementary, middle and high school. These groups allow students to get involved as performers and to gain the experience of concert performance. There are at least three concerts throughout the year: holiday, "pops" and spring.

EXTRA CURRICULAR
In addition to the various course offerings, the performing arts department is able to provide the Brewster community and students with many extra curricular activities. The following is list of the opportunities for students with a brief description of the nature of the activity, students involved and their performance opportunities.

The vocal department offers a Select Choir on both the middle school and high school level. Membership is by audition only allowing students the opportunity to perform more advanced literature in a variety of styles.

The Middle School instrumental program also offers the opportunity for students to perform more advanced literature by participating in a Fiddle Group, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Selection is by audition in the fall of each school year. In addition to performances at regularly scheduled concerts, these groups perform throughout the year for community functions.

High school students are encouraged to perform in Instrumental Ensembles throughout the year as well as at the festival. The annual holiday concert usually features low brass, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, and flute ensembles. String students can audition to become members of the HS Fiddle Group and Chamber Orchestra. These groups perform throughout the year for school and community functions.

The New York State Music Association (NYSSMA) has established the chance for students to receive evaluation while participating in annual Solo and Ensemble Festivals. The students receive a rating on their performance in such areas as tone, intonation, accuracy and many other aspects of their solo. The ratings they receive can result in their selection into All-County or Area All-State Band, Orchestra or Chorus.

For those students interested in theater performance the music department offers two unique experiences. In the fall, there is a drama production for grades 9-12. The play usually involves about 80 students on stage and behind the scenes. In the spring, the high school musical is a highlight of the performing arts department. This production involves approximately 150 students in the various aspects of theater including acting, singing, dance, "pit" orchestra, stage crew with professional sets, sound, lighting, make-up, costumes, and anything else that is needed to produce a major musical production.

The fall of 2001 saw the start of the return of a Marching Band program to Brewster High School. Although just beginning, the band of 75 students performed a patriotic halftime show at the homecoming game. Since that time, the band has performed at Disney’s Magic Kingdom twice, the Edison Pageant of Lights Parade in Ft. Myers, Fl, Shea Stadium for the New York Mets, Six Flags New Jersey, as well as local parades and BHS football games. Participation in marching band is open to all students, grades 9-12.

The dance team at Brewster High has existed for about eight years and serves as an outlet for those students who want to express themselves through the medium of dance. Chosen by audition, the dance team meets weekly and prepares to perform at concerts, basketball games, and community events.

Finally, many Brewster ensembles use extended trips as incentive and a motivation to achieve high levels of performance. The BCSD bands, orchestras, and choruses have traveled to Williamsburg, VA; Orlando, Fl; Chicago, IL; Niagara Falls, Canada; Boston, MA; as well as various local destinations to perform and experience live music and theater.

Music is a life experience. As in life, music never stops, it is always alive. The music department will continue to be alive, keep in touch and provide the student, the district and the community with the most experiences for the most students at the highest performance level possible.