Freshman Orientation at Boston Arts Academy

This week BAA's next generation of musicians came to a summer workshop at the Arts Academy. Vocal and Instrumental students worked on technique, ensemble performance, rehearsal techniques, and even a little Kickball at the end of the week. Congratulations to all that attended, we look forward to working with you in a few weeks!

Above: J'Andre Rackard, Dan Whitelock, and Anthony Adams take command of the percussion line.

Above: Students rehearse together for the first time at BAA

Above: Felix Negron, Mustapha Benzhora, and Taychon Little kick start the new school year!

Welcome Back BAA!

Hey Music Students, welcome back to BAA! To help us improve our communication please fill out the survey below:

Instrumental students go here:

Vocal students go here: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDI2Ny12b2JSVUl0c054MUZncUxOZ3c6MA..

A Night at the Pops with Awards

The Music Department will host its final concert and awards ceremony for 2008-2009 at the Berklee Performance Center on Tuesday June 9th at 7pm. The Department will be recognizing the contributions of community members including the most outstanding instrumentalists and vocalists from grades 9-12 who have represented the department with distinction.

Be on hand to witness the first ever ensemble featuring all aspects of the department, as we take you on a journey of movie themes and slamming jazz tunes.

BAA's Underground Trio Wins Boston Pops Competition

Last week representatives from Fidelity Investments came to BAA to announce that our very own Underground Jazz Trio was selected to perform with the Boston Pops at a concert on May 20th. Students Chris Juris, Max Ridley, and Gustavo Hernandez will rehearse with Keith Lockhart in the coming weeks before their performance at Symphony Hall.

The Underground Trio also was awarded a Gold Medal at the IAJE state jazz combo finals. They are pictured above with their award. The students will be performing at the Red Sox vs. Yankees game at Fenway Park on Sunday, April 26 as part of JazzBoston Jazz Week.

Harry Ellis Dickson Award

The Boston Classical Orchestra is pleased to award the Harry Ellis Dickson award ($500) for music study to clarinetist Leslie Pina. Honoarable mention goes to singer Christian Sanchez and includes $150 towards music study. Congratulations!

Outstanding Musicians at Berklee Jazz Festival

Congratulations to the following students:

2009 Berklee Jazz Festival

Most outstanding Musician Festival-wide: Chris Juris

Judges Choice (Ladies First): Francesca Phillipa
Judges Choice (Big Band): Chris Juris
Judges Choice (Charlie Brown): Chris Juris

Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment!

41st Annual Berklee Jazz Festival

Good news, this past Saturday our students competed at the Berklee National High School Jazz Festival and the Charlie Brown Blues Band placed 2nd (out of 16 schools around the U.S.) and the BAA Big Band placed 3rd (out of 13 schools). Guitarist Chris Juris recieved two soloist awards (and found out he was accepted to Berklee). The awards come with partial scholarships to some of Berklee's programs.

BAA Students make All-State Chorus!

Congratulations to Christian Sanchez and Catherine Perakis! These students have been selected for the 2009 MMEA All-State Festival.