CHORAL MUSIC

Music 8: Concert Choir

Music 9: Concert Choir

Choral Music 10: Concert Choir or Chamber Choir (Treble or Mixed)

Choral Music 11: Concert Choir or Chamber Choir (Treble or Mixed)

Choral Music 12: Concert Choir or Chamber Choir (Treble or Mixed)

Lighthouse Honour Choir (open to student in Grades 8 – 12 – by audition only)

Concert Choir is offered outside the timetable on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:20.  It is designed for students who are looking to develop their vocal technique through a variety of genres of choral music.  Previous choral experience is an asset, but is not required.  Concert choir emphasizes singing in harmony with accurate tuning, diction, and expression.  Students will also develop their skills in sight-singing and basic music theory.  The choir will have multiple opportunities to perform throughout the school year, both at the school and in the community.

Chamber Choir is an auditioned class that is offered outside the timetable.  The Treble Chamber Choir meets on Fridays after school from 3:00-4:30 pm and the Mixed Chamber Choir meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 7:30-8:20 am.  This course is designed for more advanced singers who have a minimum of two years singing in Concert Choir.  All repertoire sung is a cappella (without accompaniment) so singers must be able to sing well in tune.  Auditions for Chamber Choir happen in the spring.

Lighthouse Touring Ensemble (Formally District Honour Choir)

The Lighthouse Touring Ensemble is West Vancouver Schools’ district high-performing touring choir, offering committed secondary singers an enriched choral experience beyond their school-based program. Lighthouse is an extension of West Vancouver Schools’ school-based choral programs and provides selected choral students with opportunities for advanced musical growth, collaboration, and performance.

Rehearsals and Performances

The Lighthouse Touring Ensemble rehearses Tuesdays from 3:15–5:15 pm and participates in scheduled performances throughout the year. Rehearsals and performances focus on enriched and challenging choral repertoire, selected to extend students’ musical skills, ensemble musicianship, and artistic expression beyond the scope of school-based choir programs.

In addition to weekly rehearsals and performances, students will have opportunities to work with guest clinicians and special conductors, supporting continued development in vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble performance.

Performances, Touring, and Commitment

As a touring ensemble, Lighthouse performs both locally and further afield. Touring is a defining feature of the ensemble and may include concerts, festivals, workshops, and collaborative performances beyond the local community. Membership in the Lighthouse Touring Ensemble reflects a high level of commitment and responsibility. Students are expected to participate fully in:

• Weekly rehearsals

• All scheduled performances and touring opportunities

• Clinics, workshops, and enrichment experiences

• Individual practice of repertoire outside of scheduled rehearsal times

Consistent participation and preparation are essential to maintaining the high standards and success of the ensemble. Due to the performance and touring commitments of Lighthouse, students must be prepared to prioritize ensemble commitments and to arrive at rehearsals having practiced assigned repertoire.

Auditions

Membership in the Lighthouse Touring Ensemble is by audition. Auditions are designed to support a high-quality musical experience and to ensure a balanced ensemble.

Auditions will include: 

• A prepared vocal selection

• Sight-reading

• Vocal range and musicianship assessment

Selection is based on musical skill and the overall needs and balance of the ensemble. Audition information, preparation expectations, and timelines will be communicated in advance.

Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in their school’s choral program to be eligible for the Lighthouse Touring Ensemble. Participation in Lighthouse complements and extends learning within school-based choir programs and does not replace them.

Expectations

Membership is determined annually through the audition process, and selection in one year does not guarantee placement in subsequent years. As a touring ensemble, students are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment, preparation, collaboration, and professionalism, and to represent West Vancouver Schools positively in all rehearsals, performances, and touring experiences.

DANCE

DANCE TECHNIQUE & PERFORMANCE: Street and Hip Hop

Students will be given the opportunity to learn the many different styles and sub-genres of Urban and Technique-based Dance Styles. Genres of dance include: Hip Hop, R&B, Reggaeton, Dancehall, House, Contemporary, Lyrical and Street Jazz. This class is geared toward students with all experience levels in Dance, as those who are more advanced are encouraged to help lead those who are newer to Dance. Students will have the opportunity to perform in many different performances throughout the year in the Kay Meek Theatre: Autumn Concert, Winter/Wonderville Concert, Spring Concert, and Final June Recital. Performance is mandatory for this course.

DANCE COMPANY (Dance Crew)

This is a program that offers students an intense study of Hip-Hop movement (Commercial hip hop, R&B, PCD Femme Styling, Voguing, K POP, and Dancehall) that showcases challenging choreography, and operates within a team-based learning atmosphere, and an overall competitive experience in Dance. Street Dance Company takes in students by an audition-only process. Auditions are held before Course Selection at the end of January/Early February.  Students will have the opportunity to perform in many of the WVSS school showcases and will also be competing in Hip Hop Dance Competitions during the spring that are located all over the Lower Mainland. Students need to have at least 3 years of prior dance experience at a moderate level as choreography is at a higher level and the rate at which dances are learned is quick and in little time. This course is one of professional caliber and students are required to be self-starters and conduct themselves in a mature manner. This course is offered outside the timetable after school, alternating lunch hours and selected FIT sessions.

• Performance is required in this course, as is attendance at dance competitions.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

MUSIC 8:  CONCERT BAND

Concert Band 8 is for Grade 8 students with prior experience playing a band or orchestral instrument through elementary school programs, community bands, or private lessons. Students develop their musical skills through a wide variety of repertoire in a group setting. The band performs at concerts throughout the year. Assessment is based on attendance, effort, and progress on the student’s instrument. The course is offered as either a full-year or half-year program, depending on enrollment, and is scheduled within the Fine Arts and Applied Skills Explorations rotation.

Note: Grade 8 students may be invited to join a higher-level Concert Band or Orchestra if space allows. Beginners may be accepted conditionally, provided they demonstrate commitment and seek additional support.

MUSIC 9:  CONCERT BAND

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 10/11/12: CONCERT BAND

Concert Band is a full-year music course for Grades 9–12 students who are continuing in the WVSS Concert Band program or who are new but can read music and play a band instrument at a competent level. Students develop their musical skills through a wide range of repertoire with increasing difficulty and complexity. There are two ensembles—Intermediate Concert Band and Senior Concert Band—and students are placed according to skill level and experience. The bands perform at concerts throughout the year. Assessment is based on attendance, effort, and individual progress. Full course credit is earned in Grades 10–12. The course is scheduled before school, outside the regular block rotation.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 10/11/12: ORCHESTRA (All instruments)

MUSIC 8: ORCHESTRA (String players only)

MUSIC 9: ORCHESTRA (String players only)

Orchestra is a full-year music course for student musicians in a mixed ensemble of strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The ensemble performs a variety of classical and popular orchestral repertoire and offers a musical experience distinct from concert band. String players collaborate to develop a strong orchestral string section, while woodwind and brass players often perform more exposed or solo parts and should therefore be confident, experienced musicians. Grade 8 and 9 non-string students are encouraged to consult the Orchestra teacher prior to registration to determine suitability. Students perform in concerts throughout the year and are assessed on attendance, effort, and individual progress. Full course credit is earned in Grades 10–12. The course is scheduled before school, outside the regular block rotation.

MUSIC 9:  JAZZ BAND

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 10/ 11/12: JAZZ BAND

Jazz Band is a full-year music course for experienced Grade 9–12 students with a minimum of three years of instrumental experience. No prior jazz experience is required. Students learn and perform a variety of jazz styles—including swing, Latin, blues, and pop—through jazz standards and contemporary arrangements. The course introduces students to improvisation and provides opportunities to perform solos. Depending on enrollment and experience, a junior and/or senior jazz band may be formed. The ensemble performs at concerts throughout the year. Students who play flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, electric or double bass, electric guitar, drum kit, or hand percussion are encouraged to enroll. The course is scheduled within the regular daily block rotation.

MUSIC 9: GUITAR INTRO

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 10/11/12: GUITAR INTRO

Guitar Intro 9-12 is a guitar course for beginners or those with limited or developing experience on guitar. Students will learn to play a repertoire of songs on guitar and develop a knowledge of basic guitar chords and fret board notes and learn a variety of strumming and picking techniques.  Students can return to Guitar Intro in subsequent grades if more time is desired/needed to develop and master these fundamental guitar skills and knowledge. Marks are based on attendance, effort and demonstrated progress learning to play the guitar.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 10/ 11/12: GUITAR ADVANCED

Guitar Advanced 10-12 is a course for students who have mastered the guitar skills and knowledge covered in the Guitar Intro course or have previous experience and established guitar skills. Students will further develop their guitar skills to incorporate advanced chords (e.g., diminished, augmented and jazz chords) and more complex strumming and picking techniques. In addition, students will be introduced to improvisation while learning scales commonly used in Rock and Jazz music. Marks are based on attendance, effort and demonstrated progress on guitar.

MUSIC 9:  CLASSIC ROCK BAND & 

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC 10/ 11/12: CLASSIC ROCK BAND

Classic Rock Band 9 and Classic Rock Band 10 – 12 are courses designed to give experienced instrumentalists (electric guitar, bass guitar, piano/keyboard, drum kit) and vocalists an opportunity to learn a repertoire of classic and contemporary rock songs in a collaborative “working rock band” rehearsal setting. Students will prepare for live performances at school concerts and in the community. Marks are based on attendance, effort and demonstrated progress learning and performing the class song repertoire.

THEATRE ARTS

Theatre Arts courses help students develop life skills that they can take with them wherever they go, whatever career or hobby they pursue. Transferrable skills learned in Theatre Arts include:

• Creative problem-solving and being innovative
• Risk-taking and resilience
• Making meaningful connections with others
• Public speaking
• Working as a team
• Adaptability, flexibility, and open-mindedness
• Self-awareness and acceptance
• Curiosity and joy

Through play, Theatre Arts build courage, self-confidence, and self-discipline and also provide an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in theatre and film.

DRAMA (Grades 9-12)

This course is for grades 9-12 students who have a range of experience in Drama. Through performance games and exercises, students will create scenes through discussion and prepared improvisation that explore themes or particular aspects of Drama including comic and dramatic situations; improv; mime and movement; learning to speak clearly and confidently; building a community. Students will have opportunities to perform in class as well as attend public theatre performances. It is recommended that students take a DRAMA 9-12 course or have performance experience as well obtain approval from the teacher before taking the DIRECTING & SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT course.

DIRECTING & SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT (Grades 9-12)

This is a grade 9-12 course in advanced drama skills with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and self-direction, including outreach opportunities to perform for our school and community. Topics covered include scene and monologue projects that involve script break-down, character analysis, and directing; explorations of acting styles and crafting original scripts individually and as a team. However, students may also propose topics to explore in class. Students will have opportunities to perform, participate in workshops with guests, as well as attend public theatre performances. It is recommended that students take a DRAMA 9-12 course or have performance experience as well obtain approval from the teacher before taking this course.

Note: Grade 9 students will receive Drama 9, Grade 10 students will receive Drama 10 credit

Note: Grade 11 & 12 students will receive Directing & Script Writing 11 or 12 credit

IB THEATRE ARTS 11/12

Students register for Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) and complete 3-4 independent projects for evaluation, with supervision and some guidance from teacher:

1. Solo Theatre Piece (HL only)
2. Director’s Notebook (HL and SL)
3. Research Presentation (HL and SL)
4. Collaborative Project (HL and SL)

Students who achieve a 5 or better HL may receive advanced credit for Theatre at University.

IB courses may be taken singly or as part of the IB Diploma.  See the WVSS IB website for more information.

FEE: see IB fee schedule.

THEATRE COMPANY (Grade 9-12)

This course is open to self-motivated grade 9-12 students who wish to participate in West Vancouver Secondary’s productions as performers, assistant directors, stage managers, choreographers, musicians, set designers, light and sound operators, props and costume coordinators and crew members. Students are also expected to take on ticket sales and promotion duties. This course is off-timetable, after school, and students work intensely for approximately five months of the year up to and including productions and briefly afterwards. Not all students are needed for every rehearsal during the pre-production phase, but all are expected to work independently and meet deadlines for memorizing lines, reviewing blocking and rehearsal notes, developing character, planning costumes, props, and sets, etc.

Note: To be considered for a speaking role in the production, students are encouraged to enroll in a Drama course to improve their performance skills. Cast members are selected through a competitive audition process. Cast members are expected to support crew and crew duties.

EXPECTATIONS and EVALUATION

Theatre Arts require active, daily participation and work missed in these classes can rarely be made up. Regular attendance is crucial for success. Moreover, as much of the work is done in groups or pairs, other students’ work is affected when group members are absent. Students are assessed on commitment and contribution as well as for projects and performances. Marks are awarded daily with 75% of each term’s mark for offstage process work and 25% for onstage work. Students will also define and use criteria to critique their own and their peers’ work and any productions they see.