Fine Arts 9/10

Do you have leadership potential?  Are you enthusiastic, creative, positive, and hardworking?  This is the course for you.

It is through the activities and programs that are run by the class that the students will learn to practice the concepts and skills of leadership. The students will be involved in the promotion and running of various school events, practice public speaking and learn interviewing skills.

This course will evaluate the roles and responsibilities of leaders in a variety of settings.  An essential part of this class is active “hands on, minds on” experiential learning. While students are learning content, they are working on school and community projects. In the process, this course will promote good citizenship and develop leadership skills to help students cope in the general world. This course is a tremendous opportunity to make a positive difference in the school and the community.

Success in this course depends on good attendance, self-motivation, and a willingness to try to learn new things.

Band 9 Prerequisite:  Participation in grade 8 band or successful audition.

This class will comprise the Grade 9 Concert Band and occurs during a regularly scheduled block within 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.

*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.

Students will work on mastering the skills of movement, voice interpretation and improvisation in order to understand the fundamentals of Drama.  Through group work, students will learn group cooperation skills which will be mastered through various group projects.  A major performance of professional one act plays will be performed for grade eight classes as well as parents, and they will partake in putting on the Remembrance Day assembly.  Furthermore, students will be creating scripts such as radio plays, monologues. Lastly, students will gain experience acting on film by creating either a music video or movie trailer.

Senior Band Prerequisite:  Mastery of the Band 9 outcomes or successful audition.

This class will comprise the Senior Concert Band and occurs in the afternoon, off the regular 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; and

• 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.

This course will give students the opportunity to take an in-depth look at art and how it is used to express self, be a voice for social change, and be aesthetically pleasing to the viewer.   The Elements and Principles of Design are explored while developing technical skills in a variety of media.  Throughout the course students will be given the opportunity to work in areas of 2-D or 3-D concentration.  The development of personal imagery along with an appreciation for other artists’ works will be fostered.  Students will learn to look at works of art critically and discuss these works with their peers.  The upkeep of a comprehensive sketchbook is mandatory for all students in this course.

*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 build the basics of guitar technique and playing.

Students don't need experience with guitar or music to join in this course.

Students will work toward:

• Core guitar elements, such as strumming, open chords, timing, and basic music knowledge.

Learning will be done through songs and in class practice. 

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

This is an introductory course into the magic of photography. Students will learn how photography can offer a unique way of exploring identity and a sense of belonging. 

Some course topics include:

• Behaviours of light; 

• Principles and elements of photography; and 

• The rules of composition. 

Students will be expected to use image development strategies on photo editing platforms and document and share their images. There will be an opportunity for students to display their work and take home projects at the end of the course.

*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.

Dive into the exciting world of yearbook creation! In this hands-on course, you’ll explore the basics of photography, graphic design, and storytelling while working as part of a dynamic team to capture the moments that make your school year unforgettable. From brainstorming creative layouts to snapping candid photos, you’ll learn how to craft a keepsake filled with memories and meaning. With opportunities to collaborate, experiment, and take ownership of your ideas, this course is your chance to be part of something truly special—creating a legacy that your peers will cherish for years to come.

*** This course will be offered off-timetable.