Welcome to the Black River Fine Arts Department

MUSIC

Black River is proud to offer a wide variety of music 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

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 17, 2011      Back To School Night      6:30pm
August 25 2011       Beginning Orchestra Night      7pm
August 29, 2011      Beginning Band Night      7pm

October 12, 2011    Fall Concert Band Night      7 pm
October 19, 2011    Choir Concert      6:30 pm
October 18, 2011    Beginning Orchestra Demo Night (Large Ensemble Room)   6:30 pm
October 20, 2011    Orchestra Concert with Zeeland Public at Zeeland Public School   7 pm
October 22, 2011    Rat Fest (BRPS gym) 4-8pm

November 2, 2011    Fall Jazz Night    7pm at Engedi Church

December 1, 2011      Choir Concert      6:30pm
December 5, 2011      Orchestra Concert      6:30pm and 7:30pm at Beechwood Church
December 7, 2011      Band Concert      7pm

January or February, 2012 Hoedown (TBD)

February, 2012         Hope College Concert Band Festival (Day and Time TBD)
February 22, 2012   Choir Concert      6:30 pm
February 25, 2012   Charter School Solo & Ensemble
February 29, 2012   Band Concert      7pm

March 6, 2012           Orchestra Concert      6:30pm and 7:30pm
March 15-18, 2012   Heritage Festival

April 25, 2012      Spring Jazz Night      7pm at Beechwood Church

May 2, 2012      Combined Music Concert (TBA)

CONCERT REVIEWS

The Orchestra, Band, and Choir students are required to do one concert review 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