Secondary Music – Extra-curricular Opportunities

BIS exhibits a strong extra-curricular program in Music, offering students the opportunity to pursue their musical aspirations beyond the classroom.

Below are a list and description of the main programs in which BIS secondary students may wish to participate in.

The BIS Music Academy (individual lessons after school) is essentially a private tuition program where students meet with highly qualified instructors in the soundproof studios attached to the secondary music room.

Options for lessons include study in flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano, bass, drums, and singing. The studios are equipped with drum kits, amplifiers and electric pianos and one upright and a baby grand are located in the main rooms. Above all, the most valuable resource of the BIS Music Academy is the group of talented and dedicated tutors. Click here for more information.

Gamelan (Monday lunch)

BIS is proud to have an antique Pelogongan Gamelan set, with the metallic keys being dated at over 100 years old. Gamelan is the traditional musical style originating in Java and Bali, and students at BIS are able to access this fascinating form of musical expression through the sessions that take place here at BIS. The Gamelan is regularly performed by BIS students at public and in-school events and is often accompanied by students performing Balinese dance.

The BIS “Wind Ensemble (Monday 3-4pm)” is a collective group of students studying instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. The activity focuses on reinforcing musical skills such as sight-reading, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and developing a sense of ensemble playing. Students involved in this group study their instruments in the BIS Music Academy, many of whom also sit for the ABRSM exams each year.

School of Rock (Wednesday lunch) is on
e of the more relaxed and fun music activities here at BIS where students of all ages join together in the music room and learn their favorite rock songs. Half of the time the students form rock bands and rehearse in the practice studios and the other half they all join together for one massive collective jam. Some of the students involved in this activity learn guitar, bass, or drums privately but this is not a prerequisite. The focus is on student participation, collaboration, and music appreciation.

The Funk Band (Thursday 3-4pm) is essentially a combination between the Wind Ensemble and School of Rock. Students that study wind instruments, guitar, bass, drums or singing can be involved in this activity. It is aimed towards challenging some of the more advanced young musicians and the repertoire consists of Motown, Blues, 70s Funk, Soul, and Gospel.

Vocal Ensemble (Thursday lunch)
This group is a great opportunity for students to enjoy singing with their peers. The repertoire includes popular songs both modern and the classics, spanning across a wide variety of genres. At the end of each session there is a fun karaoke section where students can jump up and sing their favorite song over the sound system for the rest of the group.

Please contact me if you would like any further details relating to any of the above activities.

Edward Andrews (eandrews@baliis.net)