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Performing Arts: What you need to know

Film Strip
". . . the arts have been an inseparable part of the human journey; indeed, we depend on the arts to carry us toward the fullness of our humanity. We value them for themselves, and because we do, we believe knowing and practicing them is fundamental to the healthy development of our children's minds and spirits. That is why, in any civilization - ours included - the arts are inseparable from the very meaning of the term 'education.' We know from long experience that no one can claim to be truly educated who lacks basic knowledge and skills in the arts."

 

–National Standards for Arts Education

Program Coordinator: Matt Vanacoro
mvanacoro1114@bcsdny.org
914-241-6072

Welcome to Performing Arts!

More than 4,000 students in our district study music and theater from a distinguished faculty of 20 certified teachers.

Our music offerings include general music (grades K-5), band (grades 4-12), chorus (grades 4-12) and orchestra (grades 3-12). In middle school we also offer an exploratory music program (grades 6-8), applied piano and applied guitar (grades 7-8). In high school, music technology, performance technology, music theory, AP music theory, acting and theater technology are additional offerings.

There are many co-curricular and extra-curricular ensembles and clubs for students to participate in before or after school. These include elementary district band, bel canto vocal ensemble, honors choir, symphonic winds, sinfonetta, a cappella groups, pep band, jazz bands, jam club and rock ensembles.

Each year the high school presents a fall play, spring musical and a student-directed play. The annual middle school spring musical involves more than 100 student actors, musicians and technical crew.

We look forward to welcoming you to the BCSD performing arts program!

Points of Pride

Each year, students engaged in the BCSD Performing Arts distinguish themselves as members of local, state, and national honors ensembles. These include NAfME all-national and eastern division, NYSSMA all-state and WCSMA all-county music ensembles. Our students broaden their music and theater experiences through out-of-school programs. These include Greater Westchester Youth Orchestra, Hoff Barthelson Festival Orchestra, New York Youth Symphony programs and Jazz at Lincoln Center programs.

The NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) surveys school districts across the United States seeking to acknowledge communities for their commitment to and support for music education in schools. For the seventh year in a row, the Bedford Central School District has been recognized as one of the 2019 NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education

Bedford FAME has nurtured BCSD students’ educational experiences for over 20 years. This is a volunteer group of parents, community members and faculty committed to funding meaningful initiatives beyond the scope of the school budget!