Courses

Westminster Music offers courses in band, guitar, and electronic composition. 

Courses with codes that end with "O" are open to any student, regardless of their skill level or previous experience. 

Courses that end with "M" require prerequisites which are stated at the end of the course descriptions.

Winds

Grade 9 Band (AMI 1O)

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn individual and ensemble skills on one of the following instruments: oboe, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, bassoon, trombone, baritone, tuba, or concert percussion (ie. timpani, snare drum, bass drum, mallets, auxiliary percussion).  In addition to learning how to play their instrument, students will have the opportunity to play music from a variety of genres and study theory concepts as they relate to their instrument performance. Emphasis will be on individual growth and success, equity and inclusion.

• Open to all students.

Grade 10 Band (AMI2O)

Students will continue building their individual and ensemble skills in this course. They will learn increasingly more advanced theory concepts and instrument skills (ie. trills, ensemble balance, alternate fingerings). Students will receive individual and group instruction, so while it is recommended that students take AMI1O before taking this course, it is not required. Emphasis will be on individual growth and success, equity and inclusion.

• Open to all students.

Grade 11 Band (AMI3M)

This course will provide students with the opportunity to build on previous skills learned in AMI 1O and AMI 2O. Students will continue to advance their individual instrument technique and theory knowledge as it applies to their instrument. Small ensemble performances will help students develop confidence and ownership over their learning. Students will compose short, original melodies. Emphasis will be on individual growth and success, equity and inclusion.

• Prerequisite: AMI 1O or AMI 2O

Grade 12 Band (AMI4M)

This course will provide students with the opportunity to build on previous skills learned in AMI3M. In addition to individual and group skill development, students will learn conducting techniques and leadership skills. They will have the opportunity to learn a secondary instrument and arrange simple songs. Emphasis will be on individual growth and success, equity and inclusion.

• Prerequisite: AMI 3M

GUITAR

Grade 9 Guitar (AMG 1O)

This is an introductory guitar course. Students will learn to play simple chord progressions; read chord charts, tablature, and standard notation; and develop individual and group performance skills. Theory lessons will aid students in their understanding and application of performance skills. No previous experience is necessary, however, students with pervious experience will be encouraged to expand their skills beyond the course concepts. Emphasis will be on individual growth and success, equity and inclusion.

• Open to all students.

Grade 10 Guitar (AMG2O)

This course is a continuation of AMG 1O. Students will learn altered chords (ie. sus 2, dom 7), stylistic effects (ie. hammer ons, pull offs), and standard notation with higher fretboard positions. Theory lessons will aid students in their understanding and application of performance skills. Emphasis will be on individual growth and success, equity and inclusion. While there are set goals for the course, students will be taught and/or challenged at a level that is consistent with their currently ability.

• Open to all students.

Grade 11 Guitar (AMG3M)

This course is a continuation of AMG 2O. Students are expected to have some level of previous guitar experience. Topics to be covered may include: bar chords, double note melodies, and playing increasingly difficulty ensemble pieces. Theory lessons will aid students in their understanding and application of performance skills. Emphasis will be on individual growth and success, equity and inclusion. While there are set goals for the course, students will be taught and/or challenged at a level that is consistent with their currently ability.

• Prerequisite: AMG 2O

Grade 12 Guitar (AMG4M)

This coures is a continuation of AMG 3M. Students must complete AMG 3M prior to enrolling in this course. Topics to be covered may include: fingering picking, contrasting melody and harmony pieces, and jazz chord voicings. Theory lessons will aid students in their understanding and application of performance skills. Emphasis will be on individual growth and success, equity and inclusion. While there are set goals for the course, students will be taught and/or challenged at a level that is consistent with their currently ability.

• Prerequisite: AMG 3M

ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION

Grade 11 Comp (AMC3O)

This course is open to all students regardless of their previous music background and skills. Students will study the elements of music and use them to compose original compositions and musical arrangements. Material will be taught in a way that informs beginers, but also challenges students with previous experience. Students will use computers, midi boards, mixers, and loops, and sound equipment to create their original music. Study of the elements of music will include listening to and analysing a variety of music from different genre and cultures.

• Open to all students.