MUSIC

CONCERT CHOIR

CONCERT CHOIR MUSIC 8 / 9 : CONCERT CHOIR

(MCC8, MCC 9 ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

This course is offered on Mondays after school (3:10pm – 4:10pm) and Wednesday at lunch (1pm – 1:30pm)

In the course, students learn the structure and elements of music through singing in a large ensemble. Students will develop music-reading skills, knowledge of music and vocal technique through the performance in choir. Students will learn a wide variety of repertoire from classical to modern music. No previous musical experience is required to join this ensemble, although previous experience is considered an asset. Performances are a required part of the course and may occur outside of regular class time.

CHORAL MUSIC 10/ 11 / 12: CONCERT CHOIR

(MCC10, MCMCC 11, MCMCC 12 ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

This course is offered outside of the timetable on Monday evenings (4:15pm – 5:45pm) and some Thursdays at lunch (when Monday is a long weekend). Students will further their skills in singing, composing, listening and reading music in this large ensemble. While no previous music experience is required to join this choir, previous experience reading music is recommended. Repertoire includes a wide variety of styles appropriate to the the level of the singers. Students can expect to perform a number of times throughout the year and will have the opportunity to travel with the ensemble. Performances are a required part of the course and may occur outside of regular class time.

DISTRICT HONOUR CHOIR 

The West Vancouver Schools’ Honour Choir courses offer an opportunity to challenge and extend the learning of West Vancouver Schools’ finest young singers in Grades 8-12.  The course will be offered in 2 sections depending on age and voice type/vocal range.  Students, upon successful audition, are placed by the program director, Suzanne Fulton, into either Treble Honour Choir (treble voices in grades 8-12) or Mixed Honour Choir (changed/changing voices and treble voices in grades 8-12). 

Both courses are held on Tuesdays after school hours at West Vancouver Secondary School (South Campus Cafeteria Building, Room 64).  The Treble Honour Choir will meet from 3:40-5:10pm and the Mixed Honour Choir will meet from 7:10-8:40pm.  

Successful applicants to the District Honour Choir Program must meet the prerequisites for the course before applying.  Prerequisites are as follows:  

  • experience singing in a choir (either school or community)
  • knowledge of basic music theory (e.g., note names, basic note values, basic dynamics, and articulation markings) 
  • availability for concerts and extra rehearsals outside of regular class time (schedule provided at the start of each term)
  • Enrolment in their school choir for the year in which they are registered for the Honour Choir Program.  

In addition to meeting the prerequisites for the course, all students will be required to audition in the spring.  At this time students will be required to pass a basic music theory test (naming notes in the treble clef, naming the basic rhythmic values of notes, and knowing basic dynamic/articulation marks).

Candidates are selected mostly on the basis of their musical potential and their apparent desire to work hard and make music at the highest level possible.  Dedication and commitment are essential for students in this program.  Students will be required to re-audition every year while in the program. 

For further information, please contact Mrs. Suzanne Fulton at sfulton@wvschools.ca.

 

CONCERT BAND (General information for all levels)

Students will learn the structure and elements of music through playing in a Concert Band ensemble. Students will have the opportunity to travel as an ensemble. Performances are a required part of the course and may occur outside of regular class time.

Eligible Concert Band Instruments: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba, Bass, and Percussion. Certain instruments are limited in order to achieve a balanced band for student’s optimal musical growth. Please contact the Music Director for more details and suggestions on selecting a suitable instrument for specific students.

ARTS YEAR 3/4-JUNIOR CONCERT BAND 8/9

(MMU–08CBI, MMU–09CBI, ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

This course provides an opportunity for students to expand on their beginner band experiences from the elementary school and/or the Fine Arts Rotation. Students will continue to master their individual instrument and frame their musical experiences through independent learning, inquiry, and group instruction. Students will perform a wide variety of music (appropriate to their level) ranging from classical to modern music. While there is no prerequisite for this course, previous playing experience is considered an asset.

MUSIC 9 / 10: INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND

(MMU–09ICB, MMCB -10ICB ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

This course provides an opportunity for students to expand on experience playing in a large ensemble. Students will continue to master their individual instrument and gain musical experiences through independent learning, inquiry, and group instruction. Students will perform a wide variety of music (appropriate to their level) ranging from classical to modern music.

Prerequisite: Band 8 (or permission from the instructor)

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 10/ 11 / 12: SENIOR CONCERT BAND

(MIMCB 11SCB, MIMCB 12 SCB ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

In this course, students further their skills as musicians in a large ensemble setting. Students perform a wide variety of music (at a medium – advanced level) with music ranging from classical to modern music. Independent learning (practice) is expected from students at this level.

Prerequisite: Band 9 (or permission from the instructor)

 

JAZZ BAND (General information for all levels)

Students will learn the structure and elements of music through jazz theory, jazz history, listening, improvisation and ensemble playing. Jazz Band performs various historical genres of traditional and contemporary jazz styles including Rock (Funk and Fusion), Jazz Ballad, Shuffle, Swing, and  Waltz, and Latin (Afro-Cuban, Bossa Nova, Salsa, Samba).

Students can expect to perform a number of times throughout the year. Students may have the opportunity to travel with the ensemble. Performances are a mandatory part of the course and may occur outside of the regular class schedule.

 MUSIC 9 / 10: JUNIOR JAZZ BAND

(MMU–09JJB, MMJB-10JJB ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

This course is open to students in Grade 8, 9 and 10. This course meets Tuesdays at lunch (1pm – 1:30pm) and Thursday Mornings (7:30am). Students may play any of the concert band wind instruments (see concert band instrument choices) or may play with the rhythm section (bass, guitar, drums, vibes, piano). Students wishing to play in the rhythm section should contact Ms. Collins to ensure their skills are suitable for the ensemble. Music notation skills required for all students as tablature is not used.

Pre-requisites: Grade 8 students may take this course if they are also registered in Concert Band 8. Grade 9 and 10 students must have previous experience experience on their chosen instrument (one year recommended).  

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 10/ 11 / 12: SENIOR JAZZ BAND

(IMJB 11, IMJB 12 ~ CREDITS FINE ARTS)

Senior Jazz Band meets outside of the timetable on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7:30am.

This ensemble is a continuation of the Intermediate Jazz Band. Students in this ensemble should be familiar with basic jazz notation, improvisation and jazz techniques. The instrumentation is limited in this ensemble to Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Electric Guitar, Piano, Acoustic Bass, Drums, Vibes, and Percussion.

Entrance into this ensemble is competitive as seats are restricted. This group attempts to achieve an authentic learning experience and challenges students to perform independently based on one per part. As a result, the Music Director may require student to perform a audition for placement based on parts available.  

If you are interested in auditioning for this ensemble, please contact Alisa Collins at acollins@wvschools.ca for more information. Auditions for the next year usually occur in mid April.

 

GUITAR

MUSIC 9-12 (INTRODUCTORY GUITAR)

(MMU–09GUI, MMGR-10GIB, MMGR-11GUI , MMGR-12GUI ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

This is a course for beginning and intermediate students wishing to develop their ability to play the acoustic guitar. Students will learn to read music using traditional notation, chord charts and tablature. They will learn to play music from a variety of different styles and cultures, including folk, blues, classical, and rock. They will learn chord progressions – open string and barre chords. They will learn finger-picking styles, melody construction, rhythm patterns and various musical forms. As skills increase, there will be increasing opportunities for students to work on individual projects, group presentations and recording. Guitars are provided for classroom use. Please purchase a capo.

MUSIC 9-12 (ADVANCED GUITAR)

(MMU-09GAD, MIMG-10GUI, MIMG-11GUI, MIMG-12GUI ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

This course is for more experienced acoustic guitar students, interested in continuing their study at a higher level. Following the learning outcomes described in the Music 9-12 curriculum, students will develop their technique, using scales and modes, chord progressions, open string and barre chords, finger-picking styles, melody construction, rhythm patterns and various musical forms. Students will contribute to the learning environment, through collaboration, interaction and the sharing of ideas and skills. Individual and group performance, song writing and recording will play significant roles in this course. Guitars are provided for classroom use. Please purchase a capo.

 

MUSIC PRODUCTION

COMPOSITION & PRODUCTION 11/12

(MMUCP11~ 4 credits)

Composition and Production 11/12 allows students to learn about music production and recording techniques, as well as practical composition tools to create and capture their own music. This course embraces all genres of music from pop, rock, hip-hop to jazz and beyond, allowing students to compose and record music that they are passionate about. Students will mostly work within DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) as a recording/ mixing medium, but will also learn about analogue recording and composition techniques in the 20th and 21st century. In the course, students will engage in several self-motivated tasks such as song/ beat logs and weekly required listening assignments. Each student must also commit to three mandatory outside-the-timetable meetings during the course, where they will assist in recording performances by Rockridge Instrumental or Choral Ensembles. By the end of the course, students will choose to focus on one or more of the following areas: music composition, sampling, recording and mixing existing content, and fine tuning of multi-track sound sources.

One or more years of experience playing a musical instrument is highly recommended. This is a “bring your own device” course (BYOD) and students will be required to download the software GarageBand, Logic ProX or an equivalent DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) on their own devices. 

 

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Admissions for the 24/25 school year are openClick here for eligibility and timelines