The music program gives students the opportunity to explore and create music in a variety of contexts, through individual and collaborative learning. Although most courses are largely performance-oriented, students have opportunities to experience other facets of music, including music technology, theory and composition, history, world music and pop music. Due to the nature of this program, many off-site activity trips will arise throughout the year for ensemble performances and workshops. Students involved in these ensembles are highly encouraged to participate in these enrichment activities.

Band Techniques 10/20/30

5 credits
Prerequisite: Previous experience on a concert band instrument or consent of teacher

This course is for students interested in pursuing studies in instrumental music on a wind or percussion instrument. The main emphasis of the course includes all aspects of instrumental playing – technical, musical and performance skills. Some theory and music appreciation will also be included as it pertains to the performance with an instrument. Computer technology and music will also be a component.

Concert Band 15/25/35

5 credits – full year course, outside timetable
Corequisite: Instrumental Techniques 10/20/30

This is a performance-based band course that includes all aspects of playing a wind or percussion instrument, as well as the developing of tone, range and flexibility. The music performed will be selected from a variety of periods and styles. This course will be held after school on Tuesdays and before school on Thursdays. Note: Instrumental Techniques 10/20/30 and Concert Band 15/25/35 is a continuous program that extends over a student’s high school career.

Cost: Any student registered for this course is required to pay a $25 supplemental fee that will cover music folders, repertoire, cleaning supplies and initial start-up supplies. Students may provide their own instruments. Otherwise, instruments may be available on a rental basis from the school at $100.00/year. Financial hardship, however, is not to be a deterrent for student participation in this program and if necessary, alternative arrangements for this fee can be made. These fees and forms will be outlined in a parent letter at the start of the year.

Jazz Band 15/25/35

5 credits – full year course, outside timetable
Prerequisite: Previous experience on a musical instrument or consent of teacher
Corequisite: Concert Band 15/25/35

This course is designed to give students with advanced skills an opportunity to perform stage band music – swing, blues, and rock – where the demand for independent playing skills and improvisation is emphasized. This course will be held after school on Mondays and during lunch on Wednesdays. Students in this course must also be registered for Concert Band 15/25/35.

Guitar 10/20

5 credits Prerequisite: None

This series of 5-credit courses aligns with curriculum outcomes listed in Alberta Education’s Program of Study ‘Chamber Music 10-20’. The course runs inside the timetable and no previous musical experience is required. Students will develop and broaden theoretical understandings in relation to the guitar and learn to read both traditional and tablature notation. Students will also focus on developing technical skills on classical guitars, and will complete a variety of activities, performance projects, playing tests and written assignments. The class also functions as a performing ensemble outside of the timetable.

Piano 10/20

5 credits Prerequisite: None

This series of 5-credit courses aligns with curriculum outcomes listed in Alberta Education’s Program of Study ‘General Music 10-20’. The course runs inside the timetable and no previous musical experience is required. Students will develop and broaden theoretical understandings in relation to the piano and will learn to read standard musical notation. Students will also focus on developing technical keyboard skills, and will complete a variety of activities, performance projects, playing tests and written assignments. This class has no out-of-timetable performance component, and no co-requisites.

Vocal Studio 10/20/30

5 credits
Corequisite: Concert Choir 15/25/35

This course is for anyone who is interested in developing fundamental singing techniques in a variety of settings. Students will have the opportunity to perform their choice of song as a recording artist with accompaniment at the end of the semester. Choral theory, composition, listening, sight-singing and history will also be explored. Students will also perform as a class choir in a variety of singing styles. Students enrolled in this course must also register for Concert Choir.

Concert Choir 15/25/35

5 credits – full year course, outside timetable Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: Choral 10/20/30

This is a performance-based course for students who love to sing! It will be held at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Wednesday mornings before school. Students will develop basic singing techniques while exploring a wide variety of repertoire – pop, gospel, folk, classical, you name it – to perform in different settings throughout the year, in and outside of the school.

Vocal Jazz 15/25/35

5 credits – full year course, outside timetable
Corequisite: Concert Choir 15/25/35

This course gives more advanced choir students the opportunity to perform fun, swingin’ repertoire in the jazz style, either a cappella or with accompaniment. Independent singing skills are emphasized, as this is for 12-16 singers. The course will be held Tuesday mornings before school and Friday afternoons after school. Students enrolled in this course must also register for Concert Choir 15/25/35.

Musical Theatre 15/25/35

5 credits Prerequisite: None

Musical Theatre is an exciting way to showcase students who have a passion for music, dance or drama. Students will perform a full-length musical production at the end of this course with full costumes and set in the theatre. It will be offered in the regular timetable, but please note that some extra-curricular rehearsals will be expected. Students’ areas of expertise will be highlighted in their performance while continuing to develop their skills in all three areas of musical theatre.