- Registration. Registration for music lessons and ensembles will be in the music building this year.
- Auditions. Auditions for choir, band and bells will take place in the music building during registration. If you wish to participate in any ensemble, you must audition!
- Uniforms. The Choir, Band and Handbell Ensembles will be wearing concert dress uniforms this year. Sizing and measurements will be taken in the music building during registration. Please be prepared to pay with a check at registration, or you may speak with Mr. Colburn regarding payment options. The cost will be approximately $70.00.
- Private Lesson Sign-up. If you are wishing to take private lessons this year, you must see Mr. Rumsey in the music building during registration. Private lesson time slots are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to be there early!
About the Music Department
The BMA Music Department exists to provide a musically rewarding, artistically creative, academically challenging and spiritually uplifting experience. In order to achieve these goals, the curriculum for all music classes includes the following:
- The spiritual aspects of music. Music's origin and history from a Biblical perspective is presented, with an emphasis placed on music that is appropriate for worship as defined by the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Students are educated about music's effects on the mind and body, and have the opportunity to investigate the spiritual, theological and prophetic roles of music.
- Listening Skills. Students are instructed how to listen to music intelligently. This includes recognition of basic musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, musical themes and form.
- A repertoire drawn largely from Western art music and hymns of the Protestant tradition.
- Theory and technical skills. Music instruction in all ensembles and private lessons includes ongoing development and practice of relevant technical skills. Regular music theory instruction is also presented.
- Performance skills. In all ensembles and private lessons, emphasis is placed on professional performance skills and stage presence.
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Ensembles
Four performing and touring ensembles are available to students at Bass Memorial Academy. Each of the ensembles performs regularly at home and at churches and schools throughout the Gulf States Conference.
- Concert Choir. Concert Choir is open to all students possessing basic singing abilities. Students will learn and practice skills in vocal technique, ensemble singing, sightsinging, music theory and music appreciation. An audition is required to participate in Concert Choir.
- Celesta. Bass Memorial Academy's select choral ensemble is available to students who possess advanced skills in ensemble singing. Four-part, eight-part and a capella singing characterizes much of the repertoire for this group. An audition is required to participate in Celesta.
- Handbell Choir. Handbell Choir provides an opportunity for students to develop skills in ringing technique, ensemble playing, sightreading, music theory and music appreciation. Members are selected through audition.
- Concert Band. Concert Band is open to all students possessing basic playing ability on a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. Students will learn and practice basic skills in instrumental technique, ensemble playing, sightreading, music theory and music appreciation. Members are required to audition.
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Private Lessons
Private lessons are offered in piano, voice, strings and band instruments.
Facilities
The Ziesmer Center for Performing Arts was constructed in 2006 after hurricane Katrina severely damaged BMA's former music building. This new music building houses two teaching studios, seven practice rooms, a multi-purpose rehearsal space and a large rehearsal room for band and choir.
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| Rehearsal room for choir and band. |
Teaching studio. |
Multi-purpose rehearsal room. |
Schedules
Performance schedules and tour information may be found in this section. All performances and tours are completed for the 2009-2010 school year.
Faculty
Tim Rumsey has been the music director at Bass Memorial Academy since 2009. He has experience teaching band, choir, trumpet, theory and ear-training at the elementary, secondary and university levels. His prior teaching positions have included Shenandoah Valley Academy and Eastern Mennonite University. He is currently completing a DMA (ABD) in composition from The University of Georgia. Mr. Rumsey's compositions are available from Mark Foster Music, Alliance Publications and Laudation Music.
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