Students will participate in activities such as improvisation, theatre sports, script building, and learning how to adapt and perform professional scenes including performing in different genres such as Shakespearean. As well, students will also learn the process in completing written scene and character analyses and will have the responsibility of writing and performing the Christmas play for the entire school. 

Senior Band Prerequisite:  Mastery of the Band 10 outcomes or successful audition.

This class will comprise the Senior Concert Band and occurs in the afternoons, outside the school timetable. Concerts, festivals, retreats, trips and other performances may occur in the evenings and sometimes take place away from the school.  You do not need to own an instrument to participate in band class, one can be rented from the school for a minimal fee.  All students are welcome. Remember: Making music makes you smarter!

Skills & Techniques Covered:

• Continuation of the acquisition of skills on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments

• Elements of music including sight-reading,terminology, rhythm, melody, dynamics, harmony, musical notation, articulation, phrasing, posture, intonation, balance and blend.

• Music history and literature

• Ensemble and performance skills.

• Music leadership skills.

*Please be advised that there is an enhancement fee associated with this course. For further details, refer to the "Course Enhancement Fees" section in the index.

Jazz Band (Instrumental Music: Jazz Band 9-12) focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes which students require to perform in instrumental jazz ensembles. Jazz Band is a performance-based course designed to give students the opportunity to derive educational experiences through participating in an interactive jazz ensemble. It is designed for students who have sufficient experience in the instrumental music program to demonstrate adequate skills on their instrument. It is a course for students to reach higher levels of creativity; as the students progress, the techniques become more challenging. Jazz Band students will be introduced to different genres of the jazz idiom and will begin to explore the world of solo improvisation in small and large group contexts. Topics of tone, intonation, blend and collaboration will be covered. Attendance at all performances is required in this performance based course.  As jazz band is a specific type of ensemble, only jazz band instruments are allowed. Alto, tenor, and bari saxophones, trumpets, trombones, electric guitar, electric or stand up bass, piano, drum set, aux. percussion.  Instruments outside of this list will require special permission.

Jazz band will run outside of the traditional time-table, and will be taken as a 9th course.

Pre-Requisite: Students must have successfully completed Band 8 with a proficient grade, or they need special permission to enter the course. Students must be able to read traditional sheet music.

(Prerequisite: Photography 10 - achieving a minimum grade of 65% in Photo 10)

Elevate your photography prowess in our Advanced course designed for enthusiasts with a foundational understanding of photography. Explore advanced shooting techniques, lighting control, and the nuances of visual storytelling, pushing the boundaries of your creativity. Delve into post-processing essentials in the digital era through Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, gaining skills in retouching and creative manipulation. With a blend of theory and hands-on exercises guided by experienced instructors, this course not only enhances your portfolio of advanced photography but also equips you with the expertise to finesse your images for professional presentation. Unleash your creativity, master advanced editing tools, and transform your photos into true works of art. 

*Please be advised that there is an enhancement fee associated with this course. For further details, refer to the "Course Enhancement Fees" section in the index.

This course may be taken by any student interested in the study of art regardless of their previous experience in the subject.  As an introductory course it meets the needs of the experienced art student and novice alike.  Students must have open minds and a willingness to try new things. Curriculum will be broken into two goals.

The goals of the novice in this course are to learn the principles of design as well as the elements of art while developing their technical skills and personal visual imagery in the five basic areas of visual art: Drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and clay work. Keeping an active sketchbook is mandatory.

The goals of students with previous art experience include learning to extend their thinking and image development in their work, as well as keeping an active sketchbook.

*Please be advised that there is an enhancement fee associated with this course. For further details, refer to the "Course Enhancement Fees" section in the index.

This course is a focused and in depth study in drawing and painting.  Students will develop their technical skills relating to perceiving, responding to, creating and communicating about art forms within drawing and painting.  This course will focus largely on technique and methodology.  Students must be open and willing to engage new understandings and grow their ideas through research and critical thinking.

*Please be advised that there is an enhancement fee associated with this course. For further details, refer to the "Course Enhancement Fees" section in the index.

This course is a focused and in depth study in drawing, designing and fabricating 3-D artwork.  Students will develop their technical skills relating to perceiving, responding to, creating and communicating about art forms within drawing and sculpture.  This course will focus largely on technique and methodology.  Students must be open and willing to engage new understandings and expand their ideas through research and critical thinking.

*Please be advised that there is an enhancement fee associated with this course. For further details, refer to the "Course Enhancement Fees" section in the index.

This class meets in the early morning twice a week for the entire school year. Select this course if you would like to sing in choir outside of the regular timetable. No previous experience is needed to join the choir.  Remember: If you can speak, you can sing! Students in this course will develop the basic elements of choral performance. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is required. Performances occur in the evenings and may take place away from the school. There is also the possibility of retreats and cultural and performing trips.  This is an active group of students who have a lot of fun - Come on out and join the choir!

Techniques & Content Covered:  Vocal production, tone, articulation, elements of stage presence,  various styles of music from classical to contemporary and modern music, music from many different cultures, introduction to music reading skills and basic musicianship in an ensemble

*There is also an opportunity for a piano player to gain credit in this course if they act as an accompanist to the VSS Choir.  Please see Miss Daniels for more information. 

*Please be advised that there is an enhancement fee associated with this course. For further details, refer to the "Course Enhancement Fees" section in the index.

This course is designed for students who look to expand the basics of guitar technique and playing into intermediate skills.

Students should have some experience with the instrument and know some basics.  

Students will work toward extended guitar elements, such as finger picking, open and barre chords, timing, solo scales, and full music knowledge.

Learning will be done through songs and in class practice.  The ability to read TAB and treble clef will be introduced.

Students will set individualized goals. Students will need to supply/rent an acoustic guitar to participate in this course.