Click HERE to view the Conservatory's Music Partners brochure
One of the nation's oldest and largest community music schools, the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music was founded in 1897. Music Partners, which encompasses all of the Conservatory's off-site programs, was founded in 1988 to reach a wider range of community members, and now serves nearly 4,500 students off-site at 20 schools, 8 youth centers, and 2 senior centers in Brooklyn and Queens, making this program one of the Conservatory's most successful initiatives and the largest off-site music program of any community school in New York City.
Music Partners brings weekly, intensive music instruction to students who otherwise would not have music as part of their day. Music Partners programs include recorder ensemble, music and movement, choir, string ensemble, and band. In recent years, the program has expanded to include teacher training, both to provide professional development to current Department of Education music teachers and to help develop new teachers and address the severe shortage of music teachers in the New York City public schools.
WHAT IS MUSIC PARTNERS?
1. Classes
Orff-Kodály Music and Movement. Based on the teachings of Karl Orff and Zoltan Kodály, these classes are designed specifically for children in grades pre-K to 2.The curriculum emphasizes the joys of rhythm and music improvisation by incorporating instrumental and body percussion with vocal practice (songs and improvisations). Children learn important lessons in personal challenges and discipline, and the pleasures and variety of musical expression.
Recorder Ensemble for children ages 8 and up. During these classes, students learn the art of recorder playing along with related musical concepts, including staff notation, rhythm and note values, scales, and technique. Students also learn about ensemble playing using their individual strengths to benefit the larger group. Meaningful social and individual development are provided through the study of music, with students experiencing a sense of accomplishment through their ability to play an instrument as well as the aesthetic joy of appreciating music at a sophisticated level.
Band. Students choose among the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. Throughout the year, students learn note reading rhythmic skills, posture, breath support, ensemble, and style. Beginning students are separated into individual instrumental groups while they achieve a basic proficiency on their instrument. Later in the year, students form the larger concert band in preparation for the year-end performance.
String Orchestra for ages 9 and up. Students learn the fundamentals of violin, viola, cello or bass technique, work on rhythm and note reading skills, and develop a sense of intonation, tone control, ensemble, and teamwork. Students perform at school assemblies and in "Strolling String" ensembles, and may participate in the District-wide FiddleFest sponsored and produced by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.
Chorus. Students sing, learning breath support, articulation, good vocal habits, part singing, and ensemble skills. Repertoire may include popular, jazz, and classical music.
West African Drumming. Students learn traditional West African rhythms on the Djembe and the Songba drums, as well as basic hand rhythms, drum etiquette, technique, form, and style.
"What is Jazz?" – A Lecture and Concert Series
Many times in an effort to teach about jazz, the educator forgets to point out how relevant it is to our culture and to other styles and genres. This unique program gives students a chance to learn about jazz from the artist's viewpoint. Artists share why they've taken certain paths in their lives and who inspired them to do so. They play during the lectures as well. After sharing their expertise with the students, the artists perform together, playing jazz classics.
Proposed Lectures:
"Why Jazz? What makes it important?"
"From Armstrong Until Now: The Trumpet's role in jazz."
"Bird Lives: The Saxophone's role in jazz."
"J.J. and Beyond: The Trombone's role in jazz."
"Ella, Sass, and Lady Day: Jazz from the singer's perspective."
"Christian, Montgomery, and Benson: Guitarists in jazz."
"Mingus, Chambers, and Carter: the Bass in jazz"
"Chano to Airto: Percussion Masters in jazz."
"Clark, Roach, and Jones: The role of the drum set in jazz."
Coaching:
This is for High School and Middle School musician students on all instruments. Professional musicians from the Conservatory's staff will work with your students for as many sessions as you need, providing expert advice in technique, repertoire, practicing tips, and improvisation.
3. Concerts and Assemblies
Our interactive programs include String Quartet, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Wind Quintet.
Prices start at $500 per assembly.
4. Orff Training Seminar/Workshops for Classroom Teachers and Music Specialists
A series of four workshops designed for music teachers and classroom teachers working with groups of children Pre-K through 3rd Grade, are presented each season. Each session will cover Process, Sequence, Sharing of Songs and materials, and Strategies for classroom management. The Music Partners programs offers these workshops as an outlet for educators in this field who are looking for additional resources and peer support. For further information contact Sheri Gottlieb, workshop facilitator, at 718.622.3300 x 17.
