MUSIC

Please note that the following courses have historically had course fees associated with them. Please contact school administration if you have any questions about course fees.

Instrumental Music: Beginner Band 8

No experience necessary. Students are given the opportunity to learn to play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. Students learn proper playing techniques, music theory, music history, and music composition, at the beginner level. In addition, students learn the value of teamwork, gain self-confidence, and develop interpersonal relationships.

 Instrumental Music: Instrumental Band 8

Please take beginner band if you have never played a band instrument. Students continue to learn proper playing techniques, music theory, music history, and music composition at an intermediate level. Students participate in festivals, master classes, and other performance events.

 Instrumental Music:  Concert Band 9/10

Students continue to learn proper playing techniques, music theory, music history, and music composition, at an advanced level. Students participate in festivals, master classes and other performance events.

 Instrumental Music: Jazz Band 9/10   (Before School)

 Students focus on instrumental playing from a jazz perspective, jazz history, jazz theory, and jazz composition, at a beginning level. Students participate in festivals, master classes, and other performance events. This group meets in the mornings and some lunches and will be scheduled at the start of the year.

 Instrumental Music: Concert Band 11/12

Students continue to learn proper playing techniques, music theory, music history, and music composition. Students participate in festivals, master classes and other performance events.

 Instrumental Music: Jazz Band 11/12  (Before School)

Students focus on instrumental music from a jazz perspective, jazz history, jazz theory, and jazz composition. Students participate in festivals, master classes and other performance events. This group meets in the mornings before first block as well as some lunches and will be scheduled at the start of the year. Previous experience on a jazz instrument (sax, trumpet, trombone, bass, guitar, piano, drum kit) is encouraged but the group will make things work regardless of instrument and experience.

 CHORAL

 Choral Music: Concert Choir 8/9

Choir is open to all students who like to sing.  Previous choral experience is helpful, but not required.  This is a group choral experience with emphasis placed on music reading skills, music theory, musical interpretation, correct vocal production, recording studio techniques, historical perspectives of choral music, and other choral techniques.  Because the choir is performance-oriented, students are given the opportunity to perform in school concerts, as well as to travel both locally and abroad to enrich their choral experience.  Opportunities are also provided for all students to participate in workshops and festivals run by music industry professionals.

 Choral Music: Concert Choir 10

(Previous Choral experience is encouraged but not required)                                                     

This course is open to all students who like to sing.  In furthering the study of choral and individual vocal techniques outlined in Choir 9, students are exposed to a more challenging repertoire than in previous levels.  Various performance opportunities are given.  In addition, opportunities to travel both locally and internationally to festivals run by music professionals is given to enhance the overall Choral experience.

 Choral Music: Concert Choir 11/12 

Students enrolling in Choral Music 11 or 12 should like to sing. No previous experience is necessary. Choral students have input into music choices, as well as the festival and tour destinations each year. Music reading skills, theory, interpretation, correct vocal production, recording studio techniques, historical perspectives of choral music, and other choral techniques are explored. Students are given opportunities to perform in school concerts, as well as to travel both locally and abroad to enrich their choral experience. Opportunities are also provided for all students to participate in workshops and festivals run by music industry professionals.

 Choral Music: Vocal Jazz 8-12 (After school)

Jazz Choir is a performance-oriented course primarily centered on the style of Jazz and Musical Theatre. Opportunities are provided for all students to participate in workshops, local performances, and festivals that take place both locally and internationally. Rehearsal times are Thursdays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, plus a few lunch hours per week for sections to rehearse and eat their lunch together. Lunch hour rehearsals will be determined by the enrolling students.

 OTHER MUSIC OPTIONS

 Instrumental Music: GUITAR 9 – 12

All levels of guitarists are welcome. From beginners who have never played to experts who are writing their own songs. Beginners will be taught the basics of chord, note, and tab reading as well as strumming and fingerpicking. From there they will join more advanced students in pursuing their personal guitar goals. Whether it is learning a specific song or mastering soloing, students will have the opportunity to improve their guitar playing. Students may pay a $20 fee to use the school’s guitars or bring their own instrument and have the cost waived.

 Music Composition & Production 11/12

To be taken in conjunction with an instrumental or choral music class.

Students MUST have the ability to play an instrument on which they can compose (i.e; Piano or Guitar) This course focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to compose music using traditional and contemporary technologies. Students learn to create and re-create music by manipulating pitch, rhythm and form, using a variety of available technologies, and have the opportunity to compose and arrange traditional music. They will also learn to use computer technology, how to manipulate MIDI, and record their own compositions.

 Instrumental Music:  Musical Pit Orchestra Grade 8-12  (After school)

Students with a strong interest in performance combine their talents in technical theatre, pit orchestra, and musical cast to present a school performance. After school X block Pit rehearsals occur on Tuesdays from 3-5pm.  Pit Orchestra masters the music for the all songs for the show as well as developing the art of accompaniment for a professional level show.

 Instrumentation needed: Piano, Synthesizer, Drums, Guitar and Electric or Double Bass.  Reeds: Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Oboe, English Horn, Piccolo, and Flute Brass: Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba Strings: Violin, Viola, and Cello

THEATRE

Drama 9

This is a developmental drama course which builds on the voice, body, creative and critical thinking skills introduced in Fine Art 8.  Drama 9 explores improvisation, role play, play-building, storytelling, character development, introduction to monologue and dialogue, and scene study, as well as an introduction to scriptwriting. Students receive the opportunity to expand their thinking through experiencing live theatre in the community.

Drama 10

Drama 10 transitions from a developmental drama course into an acting course, as the course intensifies and builds on voice, body, interpretive, creative, and critical thinking skills developed in Drama 8 and 9.  Students continue to work on group dynamics, improvisation, and character building in order to further develop the actor’s ability to “play”, and learn the basics of breaking down monologues, scenes, and 10-min plays.  Students are introduced to Shakespeare, Greek, and other styles of theatre based on chosen material in an acting context, and classic and contemporary texts are also explored.

 Drama 11

A genuine love of theatre is strongly recommended for all students enrolling in this course as some participation outside of class time is expected.  The course demands a mature level of concentration and commitment because of student driven rehearsals and performances.  Concentration is on voice, movement, improvisation, directing, monologue and scene development and presentation, play readings and presentation, and a final senior showcase.  Students engage in the staging and performance of a full length play and/or a one act play festival, and must be driven to explore, and possess, an interest in performing for peers and invited audiences.  Students are introduced to Shakespeare, Greek and other genres of theatre, based on chosen material in an acting context, and receive the opportunity to expand their thinking through workshops with industry professionals.

 Drama 12

A genuine love of theatre is strongly recommended for students enrolling in this course as some participation outside of class time is expected.  The course demands a mature level of concentration and commitment because of student driven rehearsals and performances.  Concentration is on voice, movement, improvisation, directing, monologue and scene development and presentation, play readings and presentation, and a final senior showcase.  Students engage in the staging and performance of a full length play and/or a one-act play festival, and must be driven to explore, and possess, an interest in performing for peers and invited audiences.  Students are introduced to Shakespeare, Greek and other genres of theatre, based on chosen material in an acting context, and will receive the opportunity to expand their thinking through workshops with industry professionals.

 Theatre Production/Technical Theatre 9-12

This class is a commitment to creating, producing, and executing community and school-based theatre productions. Theatre production is an important part of theatre and includes many activities that are theoretical and practical, technical and creative. Students will create functional sets, as well as learn about lighting and sound techniques, prop fabrication, scenic painting, and other aspect of technical theatre in this hands-on course. This is a practical course for students interested in theatre, either as a career or as a hobby. Senior students will be expected to take on leadership roles and develop their skills in pre-production, production and post-production. Rehearsal times are irregular, taking place after school and in the evening, including the occasional weekend, and students should be aware of the extensive and intensive hours of rehearsals surrounding theatre productions.  Students work with theatre professionals and take part in occasional field trips off-campus.

 Instrumental Music:  Musical Pit Orchestra 8-12 (After school)

Please see the description in the Music section.

 Theater Performance 9-12  (After school)                               

Theatre Company provides students with the opportunity to mount a full theatrical production and perform it in front of an audience, emulating a professional theatre troupe. This afterschool class requires the collaborative efforts and artistry of actors, directors, producers, technicians, musicians and more. Through the rehearsal and performance process, students apply skills and attitudes necessary to perform within a Theatre Company, learning valuable personal and interpersonal skills they can apply in broader social and career contexts. Rehearsal times are irregular, taking place after school and in the evening, including the occasional weekend, and students should be aware of the extensive and intensive hours of rehearsals surrounding theatre productions. The life skills students acquire through this course benefit them in all areas of their life and will enhance their employability regardless of their future career choice.

DANCE

Dance 9-12

This course is for students who want to experience the joy of movement and dance. This class is perfect for students of all levels who want to learn foundational skills of multiple genres including Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Jazz in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Students will have the opportunity to work with international professional choreographers and dance instructors to learn technique and exciting choreography. This course will explore different trends in dance spanning through history to modern day. The benefits associated with regular dance practice can contribute towards greater mental clarity, enhanced physical fitness, and improved mental health. Students will advance at individual levels and be encouraged to challenge themselves through establishing individual dance goals. This is an Arts Education course. No previous dance experience is required.