Performing Arts

Students receive curriculum Music lessons PK3 - Grade 8, with Music electives for grades 9 and 10. IB Music is an option as part of the IB Diploma program for students who wish to study Music further in High School. Alongside curriculum Music, ASB offers a wide range of Music activities; MAIS Choir, Concert Band, Ukulele group, ABRSM Music Theory, instrument lessons and a variety of other musical ensembles. ASB is a host destination for visiting musical groups and professionals to share their expertise with the students. Students from ASB give various concerts throughout the year, which parents and students are encouraged to watch.

In Elementary School, students have access to a wide range of Performing Arts activities. Students have curriculum music lessons where their skills and knowledge are developed and extended. Students further develop performance skills on tuned and untuned percussion, ukuleles, recorders and voice and learn how to compose with increasing awareness of the musical elements. Students learn how to describe music using the correct vocabulary and place music within its culture, time or place. Students are assessed using the National Core Arts Standards. Grade 4 and 5 follow an instrumental curriculum, with every child learning to play an instrument in a band or in an orchestra. There are many times to perform throughout the year, with each grade having at least one "big" performance a year. Students have access to instrument lessons and a variety of Performing Arts after school clubs including the popular ES Musical Theater group, which perform a full scale musical.

In Middle School, students receive one 70 minutes lesson of Music in a six day cycle. In all units, students develop their performance and composition skills as individuals and within a group. Students learn how to analyze and evaluate music related to each area and connect the music they perform and compose to the social and historical context of each starting point.

Each unit has an extended project set for homework to encourage research skills at home.

Grade 6 have one extra class of band / orchestra and grade 7 will have one extra class of Theater / Choir in in 2021-2022.

In High School, students can access high quality Performing Arts throughout. Music runs as an elective in Grades 9 and 10. In Grades 11 and 12, students can choose Music at IB DP level. Throughout HS students can join our range of Performing Arts LYNX activities and students can also access the after school activities. Throughout the year students can perform at whole school events, such as the Winter Bazaar and International day alongside HS events, such as Open Mic and Spirit week concerts. Students can opt for Performing Arts CAS projects, such as the very successful "BISA Talent Show". Students in grade 12 showcase their skills in their graduation.

Drama is taught through extra curricular and activities with students being involved in workshops and Theater classes. We have at least two major productions a year with students from Elementary School, Middle School and High School involved. We collaborate with local Theater groups to lead workshops with students.

Movement classes are embedded within the ECC Performing Arts curriculum, aiding students to develop motor skills. All other students have access to Dance either through after school activities or through links to a local dance studio.

The new IBDP Music syllabus enables students to pursue their own musical path while exploring the different elements of being a well-rounded musician.  This course is for anyone with a passion or enthusiasm for music who wants to develop skills and broaden their knowledge of the subject. Students need to be able to play an instrument / sing and enjoy making music.

The IB Music course follows 4 different Areas of Inquiry: 

1. Music for sociocultural and political expression

2. Music for listening and performance

3. Music for dramatic impact, movement and entertainment

4. Music technology in the electronic and digital age

Students explore all four areas throughout the course as researchers, performers and creators of music.  

The course is ideal for students who:

• Are interested in both the practical and theoretical aspects of  music-making 

• Respond to a creative approach to composition and performance

• Value collaboration 

• Wish to experience a DP arts course 

• Plan to study music in university or college. 

 

Testimonials 

“I am currently progressing through my first year of IB and have found IB Music to be an enlightening and riveting experience. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of meeting the course leader, Ms. Bronwyn, as well as the Director of Performing Arts, Mr. Kevin. Ms. Bronwyn’s ways of teaching have proved entirely dynamic. As a class, we’ve spanned a variety of musical genres and styles. Using inspiration from these differing styles we were able to create multiple compositions and submit them to our diverse portfolios. The facilities available in the Music Department at ASB are remarkable. An array of instruments and digital tools are available for use at any time, as well as three well equipped practice rooms. I’m extremely happy I took IB music, and encourage any incoming IB students with a passion for music to consider taking it!”

Lukas grade 11 IB Music student

 

“Working in IB music over the last two years has been nothing but a pleasure, and a priceless opportunity of which I couldn’t be more grateful. Ms. Bronwyn and her class have allowed me to express myself without fear of judgement, explore my musical style outside of my comfort zone, provided me with the confidence I need to pursue my dreams, and inspired me to be a better person overall. Had I not taken this class, my musical knowledge and capabilities would be nowhere near as developed, nor would I be the person I am today.“

Aneesa Grade 12 IB Music student

 

Creativity is as important as literacy. - Ken Robinson

ASB is building a reputation for excellence in Musical Theater. All of our students grade 3-12 have the opportunity to perform in musicals either with our "ES Musical Theater" club or with our MS/HS "Spotlight Productions". Each theater group is led by four experienced staff members and we incorporate live music in all of our performances. We believe in a community experience and parent volunteers are encouraged!

We really believe in giving students (and our audience) a high quality, professional experience. We partner with Carlight, a sound and light company, who help us give stunning performances.