Course Descriptions

Abe Band Program Flow Chart

Instrumental Music 10 

(5 credits)

Prerequisite: Completion of a Junior High School Band program or consent of the Music Director. Co-requisite: Band 15 Concert.

The Instrumental Music 10 program provides an opportunity for students to develop as musicians through improvement of their skills developed in junior high. A large range of musical ability can be accommodated. The Music 10 program focuses on improving technical skills, sight-reading, theory, history and concert performances. More advanced students have the opportunity to play in various smaller ensembles: woodwind and brass, choirs, quartets, etc.

Strings 10 (5 credits)

This course is offered to students who play or want to learn to play violin, viola, cello or string bass. The class is open to all students. The class is designed for students of all levels of ability and will be based on individualized instruction by both the classroom teacher and guest clinicians. Chamber ensembles will be a significant component of this class.

The school is able to provide some instruments for loan or rent, or students may use their own instruments provided by local music stores. String basses are provided for use at the school for any student studying bass. 

Concert Band 15 

(3 credits) 

Co-requisite: Instrumental Music 10 The concert band is an extension of the Instrumental Music 10 course. The concert band rehearses at different times outside of the normal timetable. At the current time, there is a full band rehearsal for all grade 10 band students that will be once per week after school from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Section rehearsals will be scheduled as needed throughout the year.

Instrumental Music 20 & 30 

(5 credits each)

Co-requisite: Band 25 or 35 Symphonic

These levels are an extension and continuation of skills developed in Instrumental Music 10.

Symphonic Band 25/35 

(3 credits each) 

Co-requisite: Instrumental Music 20 or 30

The symphonic band is an extension of the Instrumental Music 20 or 30 classes. The symphonic band rehearses at different times outside of the normal timetable. At the current time there is a symphonic band rehearsal once per week afternoons from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Section rehearsals will be scheduled as needed throughout the year.

Wind Ensemble 10/20/30 

(5 Credits)

Co-requisite: Chamber Music 25/35 Audition is necessary

The Wind Ensemble is comprised of more advanced music students and is open to students in all grades. The experience of performing in an ensemble with one to two players per part motivates the finest students to take on exceptional musical challenges. At the current time, the Wind Ensemble is scheduled inside the timetable in Semester 1 and runs twice per week in the morning from 7:15 - 8:30 in Semester II.

Wind Ensemble 25/35 

(5 credits)

Co-requisite: Wind Ensemble 20/30 (Instrumental Music)

This class is made up of grade 11 and 12 students selected for the wind ensemble through an audition process. It runs in the second semester on two mornings per week from 7:15am to 8:25am. Students will be automatically registered if they qualify.

Instrumental Jazz 15/25/35 

(3 or 5 credits each) 

Co-requisite: Instrumental Music 10/20/30

Students will be auditioned for placement purposes and registered in one of three jazz ensembles (big bands) according to ability and experience. Each ensemble rehearses either twice or three times per week depending on the ensemble. Students will study the fundamentals of big band jazz including swing, Latin and other genres. Improvisation is an integral component of this course.

Choral Music 10

(5 credits)

Co-requisite: Women’s Choir 15; Men: Concert Choir 15

Choral Music 10 takes place during the regular timetable and is mandatory for all students new to the Choral program at William Aberhart. Choral Music 10 students must also register for Women’s Choir 15 (women only) OR Concert Choir 15 (men only). Band students who cannot accommodate Choral Music 10 within the timetable will be registered in a 3 credit Choral Music 10 class which is a mixture of online coursework through D2L and tutorial rehearsals instead of the regular 5 credit course. The Choral Music program provides students with the opportunity to develop as musicians through singing. A large range of musical ability and experience can be accommodated. The Choral 10 program focuses on vocal technique, sight-reading, ear-training, history and theory. Students have the opportunity to sing music from a variety of genres.

Women's Choir 15

(3 credits)

Co-requisite: Choral Music 10

All women who are new to the choral program at William Aberhart will need to register for Women’s Choir 15, in addition to Choral Music 10 (see above). The Women’s Choir will rehearse every afternoon school from 3:50 -5:45 pm once per week. Students will learn a variety of choral literature and will have the opportunity to perform at a number of concerts throughout the year.

Concert Choir 15 

(5 credits)

Co-requisite: Choral Music 10

All men who are new to the choral program at William Aberhart will need to register for Concert Choir 15, in addition to Choral Music 10 (see above). The Concert Choir rehearses will rehearse twice per week once before school and once after school. (Mornings from 7:15 am- 8:25 am or afternoon from 3:50-5:45 pm. Students learn a variety of mixed choral literature and have the opportunity to perform at a number of concerts throughout the year.

Choral Music 20/30 

(5 credits each)

Co-requisite: Concert Choir 25/35

Choral Music 20/30 takes place during the regular timetable and is mandatory for all students registered in Concert Choir 25/35. Band students who cannot accommodate this class within the timetable will be registered in a 3 credit Choral Music 20/30 class which is a mixture of online coursework through D2L and tutorial rehearsals, instead of the regular 5 credit course. The Choral Music program provides students with the opportunity to develop as musicians through singing. A large range of musical ability and experience can be accommodated. The Choral 20/30 program focuses on vocal technique, sight-reading, ear-training, history and theory. Students have the opportunity to sing music from a variety of genres.

Concert Choir 25/35 

(5 credits each) 

Co-requisite: Choral Music 20/30

Students who have successfully completed Concert Choir 15 or Women’s Choir 15 will register for Concert Choir 25/35, in addition to Choral Music 20/30 (see above). The Concert Choir currently rehearses one morning and one after school. (Mornings from 7:15am- 8:25 am or afternoon from 3:50-5:45 pm). Students learn a variety of mixed choral literature and have the opportunity to perform at a number of concerts throughout the year.

Choral Ensemble 15/25/35 

(5 Credits each) 

Co-requisite: Choir 15/25/35 Audition is necessary

This performance ensemble is comprised of choir students who are selected through an audition process. The ensemble performs a variety of repertoire including both jazz and chamber music at concerts and festivals as an extension of the Choral Music program. Rehearsals currently take place every Monday afternoon from 3:50-5:45 pm and Thursday morning from 7:15-8:25 am. Students will be automatically registered if they qualify.