Dear Visitor,
Thank you for visiting the Brooklawn Middle School Music Department website. You will be able to find information for all aspects of the music program at BMS including concert details, lesson calendars, course outlines, fingering charts, music links, trip info, important announcements and much more. Use the menu bar at the left to select Band, Chorus or Orchestra.
Musically yours,
Carrie Sack Joseph Stella Danielle Hazel Adam Austerlitz
B.M.S. Band Director B.M.S. Band Director B.M.S. Chorus Director B.M.S. Orchestra Director
What happens in our music classrooms beyond learning music:
When we help students to manage their pre-performance jitters......we are helping them understand and manage their own emotions.
When we guide students through feelings of disappointment when a performance or playing test doesn’t go as well as they expected......we are helping them to develop coping skills, perseverance, and grit.
When we help students to be gracious when they experience success......we are teaching humility, while reinforcing empathy for others who may not have done as well.
When we have students study, discuss, and perform music from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and influences......we are showing them how to celebrate and appreciate diversity.
When we make the rehearsal room a safe place to make mistakes......we teach students to take on new challenges without fear.
When we prepare performances......students learn how to set and work toward goals, see a task through to completion, and to understand that the biggest and best rewards are rarely instantaneous, but come as a result of dedication, focus, and sustained effort. We teach them that the process is just as important as the product!
Studying music is more than just learning to play an instrument or sing. The group dynamic and the social and emotional skills that students develop in the classroom are just as important. As you marvel at your child’s musical growth, we encourage you to notice other ways in which they are growing too! It's THAT growth that means more to us as teachers than any other!
2025-26 BMS MUSIC DEPARTMENT Performances:
Required Performances
A. Winter Concerts:
Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 7pm (snow 12/9) – BMS 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Orchestra @ PHHS
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 7pm (snow 12/17) – BMS 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Chorus @ PHHS
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (snow 1/14) – 6th @ 6:30, 7th & 8th Grade @ 7:30 Band (@ BMS)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 7pm – “Bands of Par-Troy West” Concert @ PHHS – 8th Grade Band
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7pm – PHHS/BMS Joint Chorus Concert @ PHHS – 8th Grade Chorus
B. Spring Concerts:
Monday, May 11, 2026 – 6th @ 6:30, 7th & 8th Grade & Jazz @ 7:30 Band (@ BMS)
Monday, May 18, 2026 7pm – BMS 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Orchestra @ PHHS
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 7pm – BMS 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Chorus @ PHHS
C. Moving Up Ceremony @ PHHS - Friday, June 19, 2026 9:30am – 7th Grade Band
BAND CONCERT ATTIRE:
*Gentlemen - White Shirt, Long Tie, Black Pants, Black Socks & Black Shoes
*Ladies - Black or White Top, Long Black Skirt or Black Pants, Black Shoes
*NO SNEAKERS PERMITTED AT CONCERTS
(Violation of proper behavior or concert attire will result in a 25% reduction of concert grade.)