Welcome to Mr. Hiepleh's classroom webpage. At this point information is still being added.
This semester East Elgin Secondary School's Music Department is program is offering 9-12 Vocal, 9/10 Instrumental, 11/12 Instrumental, and 9/11 Guitar, as well as the Concert Band and Guitar Ensemble which run all year long.
As always in the East Elgin Music Department, one of our first and foremost goals is music literacy. How far would someone go in this world if they couldn't read? How well would you fend in Japan not being able to speak, read, or write the language? Tablature (or tabs) is not a bad way to write music, but it's also definitely not a good way to write music. Tablature leaves a lot of information missing (for starters the rhythms). The musical staff has been used for centuries for a reason: It gives all (or almost all) of the information. Tablature should only be used if used in conjunction with staff. However, before running, we learn to walk: LEARN TO READ STAFF. In addition to opening up a whole new world within music, music literacy has a huge impact on language literacy and numeracy. Music literacy also builds linguistic intelligence and has a big impact on learning another language. In short: Music Makes You Smarter! Einstein used to walk around his house improvising on violin while pondering mathematics. Students who study music in or outside of school statistically have higher marks in all of their subjects.
In addition to the regular classes that exist during the day, there are also the AMR credits.
The East Elgin Guitar Program starts with learning the basics on classical guitar in grade nine, but as time goes on in addition to classical guitar we spend time working with a wide array of music from Flamenco, to Percussive Fingerstyle, to Blues, Pop/Rock, and Jazz; working with classical guitars, steel string acoustics, and even some electric guitar.
To support the guitar program we also have a Guitar Ensemble which is a great way for students to strengthen the skills they learn in class and to have fun playing great music with students from other grades, etc.
The East Elgin Secondary School Concert Band