Three Oaks Music Department
Information for Grade 9s!
"Music calms me down when I’m anxious, stressed or overdone. It is easy to sit down and play something or sing something and just be present. Music has hands down gotten me through high school. This program has given me new friends, helped me explore new techniques in singing and playing and overall made going to school easier in the morning." - Grade 11 TOSH Music Student
Hello Grade 9s!
My name is Krista Bryson and I am the Music Director here at TOSH. I created a short video to tell you about the exciting options we have for you to join our thriving music program! TOSH Music is blowing up - in the best possible way - with the combination of our Instrumental Music program (concert band) and our NEW Popular Music Peformance program!!
Quick Facts:
TOSH Band is amazing and we have two large ensembles: Symphonic Band (Grade 10s) and Wind Ensemble (Grade 11/12s - invited Grade 10s). We play music from a large variety of styles/genres and truly enjoy our time together!
*NEW* Popular Music Performance - is HUGE. Twos year's into it's pre-pilot, we now have three full classes of this course (a 421, 521, and 621 class) and it's literally blowing up! If you play music (or sing!), you genuinely want to spend time working on your craft, and you are 100% committed to being kind, respectful, and supportive towards your classmates - this is for you. If you work hard and challenge yourself to try new things, you will literally transform. You have to see it to believe it!
Follow us! @threeoaksmusic or @msbrysonmusic
On Facebook -"Three Oaks Senior High Music Program"
Grade 10s Covid 2020TOSH Band
Here is a little overview video of last year's Grade 10s sharing their experience in TOSH Band
21. Good 4 U - Krysten.MOVPopular Music Performance
I have TONS of footage featuring PMP Students, but not one 'promo' clip. Here is a clip of some PMP521/621 Students performing Olivia Rodrigo's "Good 4 U" *Fun fact! Krysten Cameron on lead vocals is now studying musical theatre at the ADMA in New York City!
Hear from the TOSH Music students about their experiences! *videos after fall semester 2021
Ella.MOVElla (Athena) - Band
Band "It was such a chill environment to be a part of. I met lots of new people and had lots of fun" *Ella added PMP to her schedule in her grade 11 year!
Henry.mp4Henry (SIS) - PMP and Band
"This is an opportunity you don't want to miss out on" *Henry has taken both band and PMP in grades 10/11
Holly.MOVHolly (G11) - PMP and Band
PMP "I found out I could do things that I never knew were inside me" *Holly has taken both band and PMP in grades 11/12 and a co-op work placement with me
Tour of the Music Department!
We have an AMAZING space for you to work in!! On top of this beautiful area, we also have access to a state of the art Black Box Theatre equipped with professional sound and lighting equipment. Our recording studio (in the back of the music room) is up and running, and we've been adding more pro quality equipment. The possibilities are endless. Many students call this space their "home" at TOSH and spend countless hours in here before school, during recess, at lunch time, and after school. It is a safe and welcoming space for all. You're still welcome to visit us if you don't end up taking a music course :) (*Video made in September 2021)
Which music course is best for me?
MUS421A - Instrumental Music (Grade 10 Band)
I'm already in the band program at my school and enjoy playing my instrument with others in a concert band/insrumental group
I enjoy all of the 'extras' that come from being part of a large music ensemble: rehearsals, concerts, social events, band festivals (non-covid), band banquet etc.
I really enjoy the friendships that I've made in band and want to work with more like minded students who are super supportive of each other
I know that being a dedicated member of the TOSH Band program signifies many positive qualities in students that employers, universities, and scholarship committees are looking for.
I want to keep music in my high school life and enjoy the contrast of band class with my heavy courseload
I love playing music.
MUS421C - Popular Music Performance
I play an instrument or sing and love making music
I want to be a better musician and spend time working on my own personal musical goals, while also collaborating with others
I want to explore a variety of musical genres to help deepen my musical understanding that will strengthen my own music making
I am dedicated to being a kind, caring and respectful person at all times to make sure that my classmates feel safe sharing their music
I think the idea of working with an amazing group of like minded students and exploring my musicianship sounds awesome.
I'm potentially interested in lots of performing opportunities (though it's ok to take your time and share your music with peers when you are ready)
*You do NOT have to be involved in your JH school music program. StoMP SIS people - DO IT!
Ideally you take both (if you're already a band student). Several students have done this and highly recommend it! We also have several strong, keen music students sign up for Peer Helping or Co-op work placement when they're in Grade 11/12 to spend more time working in the music department. It's a very happening place!
Frequently asked questions
What ensembles/groups do you have at TOSH?
We currently have two large concert bands (Grade 10s are Symphonic Band, and Grade 11/12s are Wind Ensemble)
TOSH R&B Band - An auditioned 17 piece band with vocals, rhythm section and horns
*New TOSH Jazz Combo coached by Mark Cerisano
*New TOSH Vocal Ensemble
Do I need to take a music performance course to be in the concert band?
Yes, to be a member of the Grade 10 band, you'll need to be in our MUS421A course. This course is always offered first semester, so you'll start high school in band class!
What other opportunities are there to get involved with music?
The best way to get involved is to take a music course!
We also have a Music Council - which is a student run group of people who are invested in doing great music related activities and events at TOSH
Attend a lunch time show in the cafeteria or black box theatre. Or, look for opportunities to play in one :)
What do the Popular Music Performance students do outside of class time?
Many choose to perform at lunch (on the stage, in the band room, or in the black box theatre)
When Covid Restrictions are lessened, we'll have more public performance opportunities
PMP students are VERY frequently in the music room practicing and collaborating with each other (aka 'jamming')
PMP students often bring their friends into the music department and get them hooked as well!
Many of them are band students as well, but not all of them, which is extra awesome.
Is there a possibility of having other musical groups?
Absolutely! We have a student right now working on getting a funk band together and we also have a student lead saxophone quartet and brass trio as well.
How do I find out more info?
Talk to Ms. Bryson! kxbryson@cloud.edu.pe.ca
Follow us on instagram @threeoaksmusic or @msbrysonmusic
Ask your music teacher :)
Contact the @threeoaksmusiccouncil page, run by our Music Council executive
Ask any TOSH music student!
The TOSH Music Department strives to be an uplifting, inclusive, joyful place for students who love making music and who want to be around other likeminded students. It's my life's work to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for students to freely express themselves in a variety of ways, and the results are truly breathtaking. I can't wait to welcome you as well! - Ms. Bryson
TOSH Bands Spring Concert 2022
Featuring Symphonic Band, Jazz Combo, and Wind Ensemble
PMP621 and R&B Band Spring Showcase 2022
Featuring PMP621 and a full 14 song set with TOSH R&B Band!