JOIN THE BMS ORCHESTRA

To register your child for the BMS Orchestra, simply download the participation agreement.

Ensure the agreement is fully completed and signed by all legal guardians, then submit it via eMail to bms@habitat4music.org by July 16, 2025 at 23:59.

For legal reasons, we require signatures from all legal guardians. Therefore, we have chosen to provide the participation agreement as a downloadable document.

habitat4music is a non-profit organization founded in 2021, specializing in establishing orchestras in schools or youth and family centers.

Its mission is twofold: to ensure fair compensation for teaching musicians while providing children from disadvantaged backgrounds with free access to instrumental music education. To achieve this, habitat4music collaborates with several foundations and applies for funding to cover participation fees for these groups.

The organization was founded by Christopher Rennebach, who studied jazz trombone, music business and music production in Rotterdam. Since moving to Berlin in 2017, he has worked with various music schools and played a key role in developing school orchestras across Berlin and Brandenburg. As a trombonist, he has performed with artists such as Rolf Zuckowski and Nils Landgren and contributed to Netflix film scores in the studio.

Despite his extensive experience, Christopher runs habitat4music on a voluntary basis, driven by his passion for music education and social impact.

The BMS Orchestra is a music program designed for students in grades 3 through 6. The program includes group lessons, orchestra rehearsals and performances for a fun and collaborative musical experience.

There will be separate groups for beginners, experienced students and adults. All rehearsals will be held separately.

The students learn to make music as part of a group - from reading sheet music to counting and playing in sync with others. Learning an instrument and making music together fosters creativity, teamwork, discipline and focus. When children play music together, they experience the joy of collaboration and develop a strong sense of community. It’s a fantastic opportunity to acquire new skills, build self-confidence and - most importantly - discover the joy of making music.

• Section Rehearsals focus on learning and practicing your specific instrument in a small group setting.
• Orchestra Rehearsals bring the full group together to practice as a cohesive orchestra.

Maybe?

Visit www.habitat4music.org/bms-adults for more information and let us know if you're interested in joining the BMS Orchestra for Parents and Staff.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer a trial period. Building a school orchestra requires significant material and operational investments. While we can accommodate a few students withdrawing, a larger number of dropouts could jeopardize the entire project for all participants.

We have added the FREE INSTRUMENT TRY-OUT IN ADVANCE as part of the BMS Club Program every Wednesday 16.00 - 17.00. Students are welcome to drop by anytime. If this time doesn't work for you, let us know and we find an alternative time.

We appreciate your understanding and commitment to making this program a success for everyone involved.

Termination of this agreement is only permitted if the student leaves the Berlin Metropolitan School during the academic year.

Please inform us via eMail at bms@habitat4music.org if your child will miss a rehearsal.

If your child is unable to attend rehearsals for an extended period (for example due to a broken arm), you will be exempt from paying the monthly participation fee for the duration of the medical leave. A doctor's note is sufficient as proof.

If an instructor is unable to lead a rehearsal, a substitute will be arranged.

The rehearsals are led by trained musicians who have the necessary experience to conduct group lessons. All musicians have submitted an extended criminal record check with no entries.

It's completely normal for students to feel excited at the start of a new project but then eventually lose motivation to practice or attend rehearsals as time goes on. Encouraging your child to practice for at least 10 minutes daily can help them improve, which in turn boosts their confidence and enjoyment.

To make practice more engaging at home, use the accompanying CD for playback. If the recordings feel too fast, there are free software tools available to slow them down. We're happy to guide you through this process.

If you notice your child is struggling, please reach out to us. We can explore options like additional individual lessons or other strategies to help reignite their interest and motivation.

No, we offer an all inclusive program. All materials, instruments and rehearsals are included in the program fee.

The monthly participation fee is only 120,00 € and includes:

• your favorite instrument
• weekly section rehearsal
• weekly orchestra rehearsal
• instrument stand
• music stand
• workbook with accompanying CD

Yes, students can specify their preferred instrument during registration. Due to limited spots, we recommend listing three preferences to help with allocation.

Each instrument comes in a variety of sizes.

Yes, each student will be provided with an insured instrument for use throughout the program.

Each instrument comes in a variety of sizes.

The provided instrument is insured, so any accidental damage will be covered. Accessories - such as instrument stands, music stands, educational materials and reeds - are excluded from insurance coverage and must be replaced in case of loss or damage.

Rehearsals take place at Berlin Metropolitan School.

No, rehearsals are not scheduled during school or public holidays.

No, you are not paying for the holidays.

The participation fee is calculated as an annual amount and divided into twelve equal monthly payments. This balanced pricing model is a standard practice to ensure consistent payments rather than fluctuating fees each month.

Yes! Both the wind and string orchestras will perform individually and together, creating a unique and exciting musical experience for all.

We plan to host 2 to 4 concerts each school year.

Details about performance dates and venues will be shared closer to the event and families of participants are warmly invited to attend these performances.

Yes. The plan is to continue the orchestras over the years.

The long-term plan is that eventually, every grade level from grade 3 onward will have its own dedicated orchestra.

If you have any questions about the project or your registration, feel free to contact us at:

bms@habitat4music.org
0176 2137 2448