First Day of Lessons and Classes: 9/19/12

As always, the start of the school year has been a whirlwind of activity. This year has been special on many levels—Bloomingdale has several new partnerships launching including Jazz at Lincoln Center's Middle School Jazz Academy and Exploring the Metropolis' Composers-in-Residence program. Both are already successfully underway.  We've also had a baby boom of sorts at the school with seven staff or faculty members welcoming new children in the past two months. That seems fitting as each September is a rebirth of sorts with new students and faculty mixing with those who have been part of our community for years.

Below are some images from our first day of the semester, September 19. Whether it's a student's first lesson ever or the start of a high school senior's last year at BSM, each "first lesson" is filled with the promise and excitement of the unknown chapters of the year ahead.

Guitar faculty member Gabriel Handy shares an entertaining moment with his student.

Katie Scheele looks on as her student tackles a new piece. This student has been at BSM since he was in 6th grade and is currently a senior in high school.

Chen Chu conducts the first rehearsal with the Intermediate Orchestra, one of three orchestral ensembles at BSM.

Students in Keyboard for Children explore the instrument together at their first class.