Brooklyn Music School

With less than a month until the start of the new school year, don’t forget to sign up for our after school programming! ARY is an after-school program offering music, theater, and dance classes for students ages 5-10. ARY aims to introduce children to the arts while building skills such as rhythm, ear training, body awareness, and basic music theory. Students can explore a variety of classes, almost like a tasting menu, to find what excites them the most!

ARY classes follow a two-class track system, enabling students to explore various skills or concentrate on one discipline. Each track includes two 45-minute classes led by our professional teaching artists. Our performance tracks include options such as Broadway Bound, Movin’ ‘n’ Groovin,’ Rhythm Nation, Strings ‘n’ Things, Ready to Rock, and Dance All Day! While we recommend the track system to fully immerse students into the arts, this year we are offering more single and early period class options to give families more flexibility.

BMS is also proud to offer after-school pickups at select schools, and Creative Homeroom before classes begin. When students arrive at BMS they are given a healthy snack, have time for homework, and then have the opportunity to play homeroom games and participate in creative activities before classes start!

Percussion department chair continues our faculty performance series this week at !

Thursday, 8/8, 5:30-7:30

Adam Hutcheson - saxophones
Hyuna Park - keys
Sam Bevan - bass
Brian Woodruff - drums

25 Kent Ave, Williamsburg (outdoor covered space)
Rain or shine ** Free and open to the public!

We are so excited to see our friend and supporter Meshell Ndegeocello featured in The New York Times yesterday. Read it here:

Meshell Ndegeocello Could Have Had Stardom but Chose Music Instead The bassist, singer and composer’s 1993 debut jolted the industry — then she decided to change. Now she is releasing a powerful album inspired by James Baldwin.

Brooklyn Music School Raises Over $500,000 in Bid to Save Century-Old Institution A storied music school in Fort Greene was in dire financial trouble in June. A last-minute fundraising effort aided by some big names helped save the school from closing for the summer.

Great piece in the The New York Times on the amazing Marshall Allen with a mention of his performance at BMS!

At 100, the Intergalactic Jazz Hero Marshall Allen Is Still on a Mission The Sun Ra Arkestra saxophonist, who remains captivated by the power of sound, is an inspiring onstage presence.

Thanks to CBS New York for coming out to BMS and learning about us!

Old music school in Brooklyn could be forced to shut its doors To keep it from closing, $100,000 needs to be raised by Friday. As CBS New York's John Dias reports, the school is now turning to the community for some help.

Time to raise the roof with this fantastic lineup who came together to donate their incredible talent to raise money for .
We hope to see you there to save music programming.
It will be a great time for a great cause.

Thanks to ABC7NY for coming in and understanding our story

Brooklyn music school at risk of closing Darla Miles has the details on the Brooklyn music school that is in need of funding or it will have to close its doors.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! https://givebutter.com/c/47dMYO

For 115 years, Brooklyn Music School has been dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or resources, can experience the joy of music and the performing arts. Our unwavering commitment to this mission has brought us to one of the most challenging periods in our storied history.

The arts and culture landscape in Brooklyn is characterized by institutions like BMS that have worked to ensure that arts education remains accessible and the cultural traditions that weave the fabric of our community are preserved and celebrated. Unfortunately, city and state budget cuts for the arts coupled with skyrocketing costs have impacted our ability to operate. With music education being increasingly cut back in public schools, your help is vital to ensure that BMS can continue serving our beloved community.

We stand now at a critical juncture in our history, one that could jeopardize the over 6,000 children and families BMS serves, losing access to arts programming, childcare, and therapeutic services as soon as July 8.

In light of these challenges, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of our June programming and furlough several key staff members, though rest assured the board of trustees and executive staff are tirelessly exploring all avenues of support, including state and local assistance, grants, loans, and corporate sponsorships. However, these funds are not guaranteed and will not suffice for our immediate needs.

We urgently need to raise approximately $100,000 to fund our summer programming, scheduled to commence on July 8. These funds are crucial to supporting our dedicated teachers and staff, ensuring that students at the Summer Institute receive the high-quality programming that BMS is renowned for, in a safe and nurturing environment. Canceling the summer program would be devastating for the families who have already enrolled their children and rely on us for childcare during the school break.

If you are able to support us, we would be immensely grateful. Any donation to this campaign will help us secure the necessary funds to address our immediate needs, support our staff, and build a sustainable future for BMS.

Thank you for your ongoing support, for sharing this post, and for being part of our family and most of all, thank you for believing in the future of BMS!

If you are interested in providing a large sponsorship or making an institutional gift, please contact [email protected].

Join us this Wednesday, June 26th for a benefit concert to Save Brooklyn Music School!

With music education being increasingly cut back in public schools, your help is vital to ensure that BMS can continue serving our beloved community.

Check the link 🔗 in bio to make a donation or reserve your tickets today!

Thank you for your ongoing support, for sharing this post, and for being part of our family and most of all, thank you for believing in the future of BMS.

Our adult ensembles will be performing this Monday and Wednesday 6/10 and 6/12, at !

Join us for jazz, rock, percussion, motown, and funk performances, plus great cocktails - we hope to see you there!

Arts Reaching Youth (ARY), Brooklyn Music School's after school enrichment program for students ages 5-11, offers pickups from local schools, homework help, snacks, an amazing variety of music, dance, and theater classes, plus performance opportunities, visits from guest artists, and more! Our Fall Semester begins 9/9/2024 - sign up today to secure your spot!

Click the link in stories or in our bio to learn more about available courses and schedules

Brooklyn Music School believes that a healthy arts community contributes to the overall mental and physical well-being of the borough and fosters strong community connections. 3rd Sunday Sound Baths at

Third Sunday Sound Bath — Brooklyn Music School Come join us for our in-person Sound Bath Meditations every Third Sunday through June 2024!

Have plans for self-care Sunday?

We still have spaces available for today’s sound bath with guest practitioner Olivia Biddle!

Here is the link to reserve your space | https://givebutter.com/bms-sound-bath-4-21-24

Today
Sunday, April 21st
5:30pm-7:00pm
126 St. Felix Street

If you are looking for something joyus to experience today our friends from Brooklyn Maqam are celebrating a music fusion of 60s/70s Iranian pop songs that are transformed into contemporary jazz + funk - see link below for details.

Mitra Sumara at Barbes
Today at 7pm
376 9th St. Brooklyn
$20 cover

https://brooklynmaqam.com/events

Brooklyn Maqam is an organization dedicated to presenting Middle Eastern (in particular Arabic) music with the goals of expanding its audience, preserving it as an art form, and building community centered around music.

3rd Sunday Sound Baths…

During 3rd Sunday Sound Baths participants experience the soothing sounds of resonant instruments and meditation to align the body and mind. These offerings are an ideal way to end the weekend and to start a new week.

Sunday
April 21st
5:30pm-7:00pm
126 St. Felix Street

Friday flashback and piano teacher appreciation… 🎹

Have you thought about taking piano lessons at BMS? This is what a student’s parent said about Teaching Artist Tatiana Viscun

“Tatiana is awesome! My daughter has been taking lessons since she was 5, she is now 9, and it amazes me how she went from playing “Mary had a Little Lamb” to “Prelude” by B. Dvarionas. Tatiana’s lessons are engaging, she is very patient, encouraging and supportive with her students. Tatiana is a great teacher, she is dedicated and disciplined without being harsh, and makes each lesson fun and enjoyable.”

You can meet Tatiana and some of her students in person during Music Piano for Two: Piano Duets Recital!

Wednesday, April 3rd
5:30pm-6:30pm
MacDowell Room

Reserve your seat today 🔗 | https://givebutter.com/bms-piano-duets-recital-tatiana-viscun

Sign up and save for summer today!

Take advantage of our Summer Camp Specials - April 5th! See the link for more info | https://www.brooklynmusicschool.org/blog/summer-camp-memories-2024

Summer Camp Programming Dates
July 8th - August 23rd

Summer Memories and Savings for 2024 — Brooklyn Music School Take advantage of our Summer Camp Discounts between March 20th - April 5th! Sign up fr summer fun today.

New Spring Break Announcement…

We have extended the sign up day - sign up for the Spring Break Music & Dance Experience before April 19th

We are excited about teaming up with our friends from the Mark Morris Dance Group for another magical day camp experience!

This week-long day camp experience, from April 22nd to the 26th, invites you to explore the realms of music, dance, and theater. Inspired by Brooklyn Music School's upcoming production of Matilda The Musical Jr. performance happening this May in the historic playhouse.

Our collaborative program offers classes in hip-hop, modern, ballet, choir, musical theater, songwriting, scriptwriting, and props making, taught by our world-class faculty members from BMS X MMDG.

As Matilda says, "Even if you're little, you can do a lot," and no prior experience is necessary – whether you're a seasoned performer or new to the stage, all are welcome! Join us for a week of creativity, connection, and fun. Reserve your spot now and get ready to unleash your inner artist!"

Spring Break Music & Dance Experience
April 22nd - 26th

Sign up before April 19th | 🔗 https://www.brooklynmusicschool.org/bms-mmdg-register

Music and Dance Spring Break Camp…

The spring break camp is inspired by Brooklyn Music School’s upcoming production of the Matilda Jr. performance happening this May.

Our collaborative program with
offers classes in hip-hop, modern, ballet, choir, musical theater, songwriting, scriptwriting, and props making, and is taught by world-class faculty members from each organization.

Join us for a week of creativity, connection, and fun. Reserve your spot now and get ready to unleash your inner artist!”

Spring Camp Dates
April 22nd-26th

Registration 🔗 https://www.brooklynmusicschool.org/bms-mmdg-register

We are excited about teaming up with our friends from the Mark Morris Dance Group for another magical day camp experience!

The spring break camp is inspired by BMS’s upcoming production of the Matilda Jr. performance happening in May.

Our collaborative program offers classes in hip-hop, modern, ballet, choir, musical theater, songwriting, scriptwriting, and props making, and is taught by world-class faculty members from each organization.

Join us for a week of creativity, connection, and fun. Reserve your spot now and get ready to unleash your inner artist!”

Registration is open until March 23rd

Spring Break Music and Dance Experience Camp Dates
April 22nd - 26th

See the 🔗 to register | https://www.brooklynmusicschool.org/bms-mmdg-register

“To play a piano duet is fun and creative. It is a special work by two musicians, two individuals. I believe that any musician, no matter how young or accomplished, should experience and be trained in this work.” Tatiana Viscun

Flashing it back to 4 hands fun with one of our amazing teaching artists Tatiana Viscun! 🖤🎹🤍

Save The Date
Music For Two Piano Duets Recital: Piano Studio of Tatiana Viscun
Wednesday, April 3rd, 5:30pm-6:30pm

Please note…

The Early Childhood Spring Celebration schedule for Sunday March 3rd has been cancelled.

Spring 🌷
Spring Break Music & Dance Experience
April 22-26

Spring is just around the corner and if you had fun during the mid-winter break camp now is the time to sign up for spring!

The spring break camp is another music and dance experience collaboration with our friends from Mark Morris Dance Group which will continue to focus on the study of music, theater and dance. And like the mid-winter break camp no prior experience is required and you do not have to be a current student at Brooklyn Music School or The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center to attend.

The signup period for spring is through March 23rd.

See the link 🔗 below to sign up!
https://www.brooklynmusicschool.org/all-camps

“We need to spend our time helping to make it easier for the people who are on the front lines of change, in our country and in this world.” - Ruby Dee (stage performer, screen actress + civil rights activist)

Photo note: Ruby Dee speaks at a civil rights rally.

Photo credit: Charles Del Vecchio/The Washington Post

Throwing it back to the magical musical theater department…

The past year the musical theater department has produced a couple of Broadways Jr. productions that have been super successful -slide to see memorable moments from Shrek Jr. and Into the Woods Jr.!

BMS students are now getting ready for the spring premiere of Matilda the Musical Jr., and we need your help to make it another memorable experience for our budding stars and the Brooklyn community!

Today, we send a thousand thanks for the generous support we have received so far. If you have not made a donation yet there is still time to help us raise the funds we need for materials and production costs to make this show another magical production!

Remember at BMS your donation goes a long way so visit the link 🔗 and make a donation today!
https://givebutter.com/bmsmatildajr

“I dance not to entertain but to help people better understand each other. Because through dance I have experienced the wordless joy of freedom, I seek it more fully now for my people and for all people everywhere. “ - Pearl Primus

Photo Credit: A series of 9 photographs of Pearl Primus performing by the photographers Barbara Morgan, Gjon Mili, and Gerda Peterich via Swann Galleries