New for 2007

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   Brookline, MA 02445
   Phone: 617.277.4593
   Fax: 617.277.4437
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New for 2007-2008!
Honors Program
All Ages and Levels

The Honors Program is for any student interested in pursuing a higher level of accomplishment through a standards-based curriculum. Each department has developed specific repertoire and technique requirements that will be evaluated during the annual Workshop/Evaluation Week held in April. Students will receive certificates and awards at the end of the year. There is a $50 fee to enroll and some merit scholarships are available.

Honors Program Overview

Music Appreciation: A monthly honors class Music Hour: From Madrigals to MP3s in which students explore topics of interest to all instruments and ages
Performance: Students are expected to perform a minimum of three times during the year, at least one of which must be a collaborative performance with another student
Evaluation Session: All Honors Program students should participate in a more formal evaluation session during the annual Workshop/Evaluation Week.
Awards: Students will receive certificates, trophies, and other awards at the end of the year.

Honors Program Requirements

Music Hour: From Madrigals to MP3s (Meets monthly October-May, 8 hour-long sessions, days and times vary)
This Honors Program Course is presented by BMS Department Coordinators, faculty, and guest artists and will have topics of interest to all students, ranging from classes on music appreciation, composition, music technology, and theory to performance anxiety and stage presence. For example, in November, Irina Chirkova (Strings Coordinator) will present “The Eye, the Ear and the Page”, a class focusing on improving comfort with sight-reading. Later in the year Voice Department Coordinators Laura Chritton and Amanda McLaughlin will lead a class on stage presence featuring breathing exercises and techniques that are proven effective to manage nerves for any audition or performance situation.

Performance Requirements (Three performances/year including summer session - one collaborative, two additional solo or collaborative)
All Honors Program students should present at least one collaborative performance during the year including the summer session. This could take the form of a chamber group, instrument duo, piano/instrument duo, piano/voice collaboration, or band. In addition to semester-long groups, there are several ensemble/duet performance dates on this year’s calendar. Students are encouraged to learn individual parts as part of their private lesson then meet together as a group in preparation for the performance. All Honors Program students should perform additionally at least twice either collaboratively or solo during the year in something other than a studio recital.

Evaluation Requirement
All Honors Program students should participate in a more formal evaluation session during the annual Workshop/Evaluation Week. Students will present repertoire and technique as determined by each department and instructor in these sessions. Sessions may be individual or in a group setting, whichever is recommended by the instructor and department.

Theory
Although there is no school-wide requirement to enroll in a theory class for the Honors Program, students should be aware of the expectation that all BMS students will have a knowledge and understanding of fundamental theory concepts. Each Department has outlined a timeline for achieving mastery of the BMS Fundamentals Level of Theory based on level of study. Honors students are particularly encouraged to enroll in theory classes to achieve this fundamental level and beyond as part of their overall musical training. Alternatively, students may choose to take a longer private lesson in order to cover theory concepts. If working outside of a class setting, the school recommends Practical Theory Complete by Sandy Feldstein, which covers all BMS Fundamentals Level material and is available for $10 in the BMS office.

Upcoming Honors Program Workshops

Sunday, February 10, 5:30 and 6:30pm - Audition/Competition Success (12 & Under, 5:30pm, 12 & Over, 6:30pm)
(A preparation class, especially for the upcoming BMS Competitions, MTNA Bay State Competition, and ABRSM Exams)
Sunday, March 2, 5:30pm - Now that you Know the Notes: Do's and Don'ts of Movement, Gestures, Posture and More in Performance,
led by Laura Chritton/Amanda McLaughlin (Voice Coordinators)
Wednesday April 9, 7:00pm - Impressionism in Art and Music, led by Emilian Badea (BMS faculty)
May - Class Field Trip(s) TBA

To Register or for more information:
Contact: Dr. Margaret Denton, Director of Education
617-277-4593 x 243
mdenton@bmsmusic.org