Welcome to the Black River Music Department

We are proud to offer a wide variety of musical experiences to our students,
offering instruction in band and orchestra instruments, choir, and
jazz ensembles.   Over 2/3 of Black River students participate in the music
program.

Our students compete in MSBOA* MSVMA*, Band, Orchestra, Vocal and Solo & Ensemble
festivals and Jazz festivals, allowing them to experience everything from solo performances through small and large ensemble work.  Students frequently
put together small groups for events outside of school.

Currently available music courses include:

BEGINNING BRASS AND PERCUSSION
BEGINNING WOODWINDS
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
CONCERT BAND
SYMPHONIC BAND
JAZZ BANDS
BEGINNING ORCHESTRA
PREPARATORY ORCHESTRA
CONCERT ORCHESTRA
ADVANCED ORCHESTRA
VOCAL ELEMENTS
CONCERT CHOIR
CHORALE

*MSBOA = Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association
*MSVMA = Michigan School Vocal Music Association

MUSIC DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Calendar of 2009-10 Events

August 31, 2009 Beginning Instrumentalist Information Night, 7pm
This event is for both band and orchestra students.

October 17 or 24, 2009 Middle School String Clinic
October 14, 2009 Band Concert 7pm
October 19, 2009 Choir 6pm & Orchestra 7:30 Concert

December 2, 2009 Band Concert 7pm
December 3, 2009 Choir 6pm & Orchestra 7:30 Concerts

January 26, 2010 All-School Talent Show

February 6, 2010 High School S & E**
February 22, 2010 Choir 6pm & Orchestra 7:30pm Concert
February 26, 2010 Band Concert 7pm
February 24-26, 2010 HS Choir Festival**

March 1-20, 2010 Band/Orchestra Festival*
March 10-12, 2010 MS Choir Festival**
March 27, 2010 State HS S&E*

April 16-17, 2010 State Choir S&E**
April 17, 2010 Middle School S & E*
April 22-24, 2010 State Band/Orchestra Festival*
April 26, 2010 Choir 6pm & Orchestra 7:30pm Concerts
April 28, 2010 Band Concert 7pm
April 29, 30 May 1, 2010 State Band/Orchestra Festival*

*Exact date and time of performances is determined by MSBOA or MSVMA and will be announced once the school has received this information.

All concerts are in the gymnasium.

CONCERT REVIEWS

The Orchestra, Band, and Choir students are required to do one per semester.  One of those must be college level or above and the other one can be anything the student chooses.  Here are some links that will be helpful to students and parents:

Hope College music

Holland Symphony

Grand Rapids Symphony
(Students are eligible for $5 tickets with ID)

Grand Valley State University music

West Michigan Symphony