Instrumental Music
Billy Joel once said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an expression of humanity … something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” In Bethlehem Catholic’s Instrumental Music programs, we believe this statement to be true with a mission of spreading this love for music at each and every performance.
We hope to see you out cheering for the award-winning Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawk Band or enjoying one of our many concerts during the school year.
BECAHI Performing Arts
Band
With a long-standing tradition of excellence, the Golden Hawk Band performs at Becahi football and basketball games, for local parades, in concert, and “on the road” for its annual spring trip. Our 2020 halftime show, When You Wish Upon A… STAR WARS, will feature John Williams’ music from the newest trilogy, as well a special prequel celebrating our upcoming Disney trip! Students who elect to travel with the band enrich their music education through performance, explore arts and culture as a patron, and enjoy a full itinerary of fun activities with their friends.
All students who wish to join the Golden Hawk Band – and join us on the spring trip – must register for Band (or Band Front) as a class and report to camp in August. Once school begins, the band rehearses daily during 1st Period, sectional lessons meet weekly on a rotating schedule, and students are expected to practice regularly at home. Beginners are welcome and instruments are provided by the Band Parents Association on a first come, first served basis.
For more information, please contact the Band Director, Mr. Christopher Klump at cklump@becahi.org.
Band Front
The
Band Front serves as the color guard for the marching band, performing choreographed baton and flag routines in tandem with marching and concert band performances. All Band Front participants are full members of the Golden Hawk Band and all equipment is provided by the Band Parents Association. Band Front summer clinics begin in July and merge into band camp in August. Once school begins, class meets daily during 1st Period, under the instruction of Becahi alumna Mrs. Christine Calantoni ’87.
For more information about Band Front, please contact Mrs. Calantoni, Band Front Instructor at ccalantoni@becahi.org.
Honor Guard
During marching season, the Golden Hawk Band opens its ranks to “Little Hawks” from our partner schools to present the colors with honor and pride as junior members of the band.
Honor Guard participants are invited to the final week of band camp to learn marching skills, train for field shows and parades, and are issued a full band uniform! Throughout the year, our “Little Hawks” members will be called into service perform at football games and parades with the Golden Hawk Band.
For more information, please contact our Honor Guard Coordinator, Mrs. Carmela Simmons at carmelasimmons@aol.com.
Jazz Band
Founded in the big band tradition during the bygone era of live dance hall bands, the
Becahi Jazz Club performs a variety of music, including Swing, Rock, Latin jazz, Fusion, and great American standards. Rehearsals are held on Fridays after school following the end of football season and instruments are provided as available.
For more information, please contact Mr. Klump at cklump@becahi.org.
Orchestra
Debuting in 2020, the
String Orchestra is the newest performing ensemble at Bethlehem Catholic. The group performs in concert, at school Mass, or for local community events. Traditional string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) will be provided for students who need them. Classical guitar players are also welcome, but guitars are not provided. Rehearsals are held weekly after school on Thursdays, under the direction of Mr. Klump.
For more information, please contact Mr. Klump at cklump@becahi.org.
Variety Night
BECAHI’s annual talent show,
Variety Night is an opportunity for our traditional musicians to perform in non-traditional settings. Bring your garage band, your dance troupe, your magic show, or your comedy act and bring down the house! Variety Night is traditionally held in May, with calls for auditions in March.
For more information about Variety Night, please contact Mr. Klump at cklump@becahi.org.
Course Offerings
The Bethlehem Catholic High School Music Department offers five courses in music performance, music analysis, and music theory. Bandand Band Front are our performance-based courses, and are open to all students, with or without experience. Students are evaluated on preparation, participation, and professionalism. Attendance at band camp and all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
Music Appreciationexplores the history and evolution of Western music. Students will learn to recognize and analyze major musical forms and appreciate great works and their composers. The course is open to all juniors and seniors.
Music Theory I examines the nuts of bolts of music composition, from scales and chords to phrasing, sequencing, and cadences. Students who enroll in
Music Theory II will further examine melody, harmony, and form through composition. Music Theory I is open to juniors and seniors who have completed of one year of Band or Music Appreciation, or by audition. Music Theory II is open to seniors who have completed Music Theory I.
Give your unwanted items away to a good cause! The Golden Hawk Band is pleased to announce the start of it annual summer clothing drive. WHEN: June 29, 2020 through August 21, 2020, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm only WHERE:…
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