Music, Dance & Theatre

From Start to Stage

Based on our motto “From Start to Stage”, we have developed our curriculum for practical music making as well as for a wide range of dance forms from kindergarten to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Our goal is to promote the personal development of all students according to their abilities through collaborative music-making and dancing – including stage presentations.

During regular lessons, our students learn the basics of at least two instruments (all string instruments, recorder, piano, ukulele, percussion from kindergarten to grade 5); in dance, it is children’s dance in kindergarten and rhythm and movement in grade 1 and 2. On this basis, the pupils have the opportunity to specialise according to their inclinations and talents.

In the music classes up to grade 10, there are also guitar, piano, band, a capella choir, classically oriented ensemble and music labs, which teach percussion and improvisation in connection with the creative use of digital technology. Our afternoon clubs open up further opportunities for development with choirs and bands. To promote instrumental skills, we offer the so-called “Cosmovatorium” with instrumental and singing lessons.

New students without instrumental skills are integrated into the classes in such a way that they also learn the basics of at least one instrument and participate in the student concerts.

The forge for music performance courses or music as an artistic subject in the IB DP is the classically oriented “Mixed Ensemble” from Grade 9 onwards. A special focus of the music lessons is the learning of string instruments (already from kindergarten).

Dance and more

After Grade 2, there is a wide range of afternoon dance clubs: Ballet, Tap Dance, Musical & Show, Ball Room, Latin and Street Dance. Talented dancers can choose the so-called “Förderballett” from Grade 8 onwards, which serves as preparation for dance as an artistic subject in the IB DP.

For a first stage experience of our music and dance ensembles and soloists, there are bimonthly casual concerts. A forum for advanced students are the Open Community Concerts twice a year, where students and teachers share the stage. The curtain also rises during our Summer Show and Talent Show.

Music at Berlin Cosmopolitan School

Music plays a special role at Berlin Cosmopolitan School. Each grade level has 90 minutes of music within the week, 45 of which is theoretical instruction and 45 of which is practical. Every student from grades 1-6 plays an instrument, and from grades 7-10 students play an instrument, participate in music labs, or sing in choir during the school day. 

In addition to the 90 minutes a week of a chosen music track, students take part in our wide range of ensemble offerings. These courses take place before school and/or after school and are based on the student’s musical level.

Ensembles

Premiere Groups 

The school’s most developed ensembles that represent the school in tours/projects throughout the world.

Cosmo Philharmonic 

Symphonic orchestra for advanced Woodwind, Brass, Strings, and percussion, which is often joined by the Rock Bands, Guitar, and Acapella Ensembles. The Cosmo Phil is dedicated to playing not only classical music but exploring all styles and welcoming new compositions.

Cosmo Voices

Acapella (voices only) ensemble for advanced singers exploring the capabilities of the human voice.

Cosmo Jazz Band

Ensemble that approaches learning and performing music through the lens of jazz/blues /funk/bebop/improvised music styles. 

Advanced Guitar Ensemble

A group of advanced Guitarists dedicated to performing intricate guitar music of different styles including flamenco, classical guitar, rock/pop, and more. 

Rock Bands

Each year, Berlin Cosmopolitan School supports a handful of small groups of dedicated students to work together regularly and perform music, mostly of rock/pop style, with electronic instruments.

Other Ensembles for Primary and Secondary School

Choirs 

Singing songs of many languages and cultures, learning to sight-read music and sing in harmony with others. 

• Young Cosmo Singers (Grade 1)
• Junior Cosmo Singers (Grades 2-4)
• Senior Cosmo Singers (grades 5 and up)

Orchestras

Playing together pieces of many languages and cultures, learning to read music and enhance basic instrument skills.

• BCS Symphoira (Pre Advanced Level)
• Orchestra Brio (Intermediate Level)
• Orchestra Arco (Beginner Level)

Suzuki Violin

Morning courses for our grade 1, 2, and other beginning students inspired by the teaching methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

Suzuki Recorder

Morning recorder courses for our grade 1-4 and other beginning students inspired by the teaching methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

• Flauto Grande (Advanced Level)
• Flautissimo (Intermediate Level)
• Flautino (Beginner Level)

Woodwind/Brass Bands

Playing together pieces of many languages and cultures, learning to read music and enhance basic instrument skills.

• Junior Cosmo Winds (Grades 5-6 plus beginners) 
• Cosmo Chamber Winds(Grades 6-12)
• Junior Cosmo Brass (Grades 5-6 plus beginners)
• Cosmo Brass Band (Grades 6-12)

Guitar/Ukulele

Playing together pieces of many languages and cultures, learning to read music and enhance basic instrument skills.

• Beginning Guitar Ensemble (Grades 5-7 plus beginners)
• Ukulele Club (All Grades)

Music Theory and Composition

Starting in grade 6, students follow the ABRSM curriculum for written theory. By the time they reach grade 10 in our school, they complete ABRSM grade 5. Composition (writing music) plays an important role in our curriculum as well, and we regularly feature the original work of our students. 

Private Lessons

BCS offers private music lessons on the following instruments.

Currently, we offer lessons for: 

• Drums/Percussion
• Piano
• Guitar (acoustic and electric)
• Bass Guitar
• Voice
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Double Bass
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Saxophone

Music = Community

It is the mission of Berlin Cosmopolitan School music programme to be a link between the school and community. We invite parents and outside members of our community to join our ensembles for rehearsals and performances, and we have established partnerships with outside music organizations. 

Concerts

Each year, the music department plays a key role in the annual winter and summer show. Additionally, we have a series of Music Showcase Concerts each year. Approximately once every 6 weeks you can visit ensemble concerts on Thursday afternoon at our school with various themes such as: 

• Student Compositions
• Jazz Band Jam Session
• One World, Many Voices
• Art and Music: Live Paintings