• bighorn banner

Performing Arts Department

  • The Performing Arts Department at Billinghurst Middle school consists of the following Classes:
     

    BAND * ORCHESTRA * CHOIR

     

    BAND

    Note: For all band classes, students must provide their own instruments or may use available school instruments under the WCSD instrument loan plan. Students studying percussion are required to procure a practice set that includes a practice pad and a set of bells. Students are required to purchase the prescribed band and/or percussion method books.

    Beginning Band: A 6th/7th or 7th/8th grade class offering 6th grade students or students who may not have chosen band in 6th grade an opportunity to experience instrumental music. This class is limited to woodwind and brass instruments and in some cases percussion. Prerequisite: None.

    Intermediate Band: A 7th grade instrumental technique class focusing on the continued development of performance skills on brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. This class also provides an ideal opportunity to learn a new instrument. Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed Beginning Band or have the approval of Mr. Neidhold.

    Advanced Band: An 8th grade advanced ensemble/instrumental technique class balancing the development of performance skills on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments with a focus on concert repertoire. Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed Intermediate Band or have teacher approval.

    Jazz Ensemble (Enrichment/7:30 am): An essentially 8th grade advanced ensemble/instrumental technique class for a limited number of players of saxophone, trumpet, trombone and‚ rhythm section instruments (under special circumstances, 7th grade students may be considered for placement). Repertoire includes traditional and contemporary jazz literature. This group performs independent of, as well as in conjunction with the Advanced Band. Prerequisite: Teacher approval/all students must also be enrolled in a commensurate concert ensemble.

    ORCHESTRA
    Note: For all orchestra classes, students must provide their own instruments, or may use available school instruments under the WCSD instrument loan plan. All music and books are provided in class. 

    Beginning Orchestra: A 6th/7th or 7th/8th grade class offering students in the 6th grade or students who may not have chosen orchestra in 6th grade an opportunity to experience instrumental music. This class is limited to violin, viola, cello, and bass. Prerequisite: None.

    Intermediate Orchestra: A 7th grade instrumental technique class focusing on the continued development of performance skills on orchestral string instruments. This class also provides an ideal opportunity to learn a new instrument. Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed 6th grade orchestra or have the approval of Ms. Neidhold.

    Advanced Orchestra: An 8th grade advanced ensemble/instrumental technique class balancing the development of performance skills on orchestral string instruments with a focus on concert repertoire. Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed Intermediate Orchestra or have Ms. Neidhold’s approval.

    Golden Strings: (Enrichment/7:30 am) An ensemble of 7th and 8th graders (with occasional 6th grade students with prior experience) which focuses on eclectic styles such as fiddle, rock and jazz.  Students must also be concurrently enrolled in their ability level class.

     

    CHOIR

    All Billinghurst Choirs participate in four evening performances during the school year:  the October Overture, December Holiday Concert, McQueen Zone Concert and May Spring Concert.  Each group also participates in the WCSD Choral Festival annually scheduled during the school day in February or March.

    Enrichment Jazz Choir: (Enrichment/7:30 am)  Advisory Jazz Choir is the premier vocal performing ensemble at Billinghurst Middle School. The 36 voice SATB Jazz Choir is comprised of 7th and 8th grade singers who have auditioned for and been accepted into Concert Choir, and also have the passion and commitment to participate in another smaller ensemble.  The focus of vocal jazz incorporates more difficult harmonies and solo improvisation.  Meeting every morning before and during Advisory, the rehearsals begin at 7:10.  The Jazz Choir attends the Folsom Jazz Festival in January and the Reno Jazz Festival in April, and performs in the community when asked.   Past gigs include guests on the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Spirit of the Season” concerts and the State of Nevada Judicial Holiday Luncheon.  Because of the extra performance opportunities, there are occasional weekend or after-school rehearsals required.

    Concert Choir: Concert Choir is the premier large group vocal performing ensemble at Billinghurst Middle School. The 80-90 voice SATB Choir is comprised of 7th and 8th grade singers who have auditioned for the group and are selected based on musicianship, experience, and commitment. The choir meets during two separate class periods, in order to accommodate the teaming philosophy at Billinghurst, and performs in the community and for the Billinghurst Vets Day celebration. In November, the Concert Choir traditionally performs for the City of Reno Tree Lighting ceremony, participates in a Community Service Saturday at three local senior citizen resident homes, and sings the Star Spangled Banner for both UNR men and women basketball games.  Students in Concert Choir are expected to audition for the WCSD Honor Choir in September.
     

    6th Grade Choir: The Choir students in the 6th Grade are in the 100-110-voice Beginning Choir which meets during two separate class periods and performs SA or SAB choral literature.

     

     

    Musicals at Billinghust Middle School

     

    Annie, Jr.                                              2000

    Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.                    2001

    The Music Man, Jr.                            2002

    Into the Woods, Jr.                            2003

    Honk!, Jr.                                              2004

    High School Musical                         2008

    Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr.       2009

    Oklahoma!                                           2010

    Seussical, Jr.                                         2011

    Willy Wonka, Jr.                                  2012

    Yes, Virginia!                                       2013

    Little Mermaid, Jr.                             2014   

    Finian’s Rainbow, Jr.                         2015

    Lion King, Jr.                                       2016

    Shrek Jr.                                               2017

    Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.                    2018

    James & The Giant Peach Jr.          2019