This year, the BCE grant included $900,000 to support music education in our public schools, and BIS teachers are making it count!
The BIS Music Potluck, hosted by the BIS Music department on Wednesday, October 9, was a celebration of the growing music community at BIS. The festivities included student performances, as well as the band Edgehill, composed of BSD parent performers. BCE President and BIS Mom Jen Faber said, “Tons of inspiring young musicians showcased their talents. The potluck was super fun!”
There is a lot to celebrate within the BIS Music Department this year, as opportunities have expanded for sixth through eighth grade students. BIS now offers Trojan Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Intermediate and Advanced Jazz Bands, Accents Choir, the new Trojan Orchestra, and Advanced Orchestra, as well as plans to launch an after-school Pep Band later this year! With some classes offered before school, some as electives, and even some after school options, the BIS Music Department truly has something to cater to every student’s schedule and ability level. In fact, over 500 students at BIS currently receive music instruction, almost 45 percent of the total student body!
Shoko Nagami, a beloved BIS music teacher said, “I'm very excited that BIS now has an orchestra that meets as a class during the school day. We've had orchestra as a zero period that met once a week but now we're able to offer it to students in their daily instruction.” She added, “This is something that hasn't happened at our school in at least a decade and we wouldn't have been able to do this without the help of BCE!”
Sixth grader Nathan Hopkins told us, “Trojan Band is one of my favorite classes, because I don’t have to stress out about it that much and it’s fun to play music. There are a lot of new choices that you don’t get in elementary school, like the French Horn, and also the Marimba that I am learning to play this year.” He added, “You get a lot of help, too. You can always schedule an appointment by yourself with Ms. Nagami if you’re struggling with the music.”
Alia Cole, Co-Music Coordinator for the BSD PTA Council and BIS mom, reflected on the value of music instruction in our schools, "By participating in music programs, kids create bonds, build empathy, and are exposed to different perspectives. The values gained in collaborative music making extend far beyond the classroom. Music making fosters teamwork, mutual respect, discipline, time management, all while creating something that brings joy and gives kids an outlet of expression." Music education in all seven BSD schools, including choral instruction, small group instrumental instruction, third grade ukulele, and fourth and fifth grade band at the elementary schools, is funded by your annual donations to BCE. This year 32 percent of the overall grant was directed to Music and Performing Arts programming in the District.
“We would not be able to have music in schools if it wasn’t for BCE helping each and every student have an amazing experience that includes music starting in TK.” —Superintendent Marla Silversmith
How You Can Help the Music Program
In order to maintain the current level of support for music education in our schools, BCE will need to raise close to $970,000 next year ($70,000 more!) to keep up with rising costs. BCE relies on generous support from parents, businesses and community members to meet its grant goals. Donations to BCE provide our schools with funding for enhancing the educational experience for every child in Burlingame. If you haven’t given yet this year, our suggested donation amount is $2,000 per student, but every dollar makes a difference. Consider joining our Scholars Circle by making a donation of $4,000 or more.
Get to Know Your BIS Music Department
Doug Simon has been a music teacher in Burlingame off and on since 1989. He plays every instrument in the band, as well as the piano, and he also used to play violin.
This is the beginning of Shoko Nagami’s third year teaching at BIS. She loves working in a supportive community like Burlingame with great students who have a passion for making music. In her free time she likes to scroll through memes with her cat Gnocchi.
John Collaros has been teaching music in Burlingame for 12 years. He is grateful to work in a dynamic school with a community that values and supports music! Music and theater was always his safe place when he was a student. His favorite part of teaching is watching students discover the magic of performing together, and in doing so, develop empathy for each other and softer hearts.