Course Descriptions

Band 9 (Block B - linear)

Open to students who took band in middle school or have one years experience or more on a band instrument. If you are a beginner, please contact Ms. Sargent. Band 9 further develops your technical skills as they relate to more challenging music from the band repertoire. There will be many opportunities for performances at concerts, festivals and trips. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Jazz Band (Extended Day linear - Mon/Wed 6:45-8:00am )

Co-requisite: Concert Band 9

Further development of technical skills in the area of Big Band Jazz. Instrumentation is the same as in Grade 8. This is an extended day class for which the student receives extra credit. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Jazz Band 10-12 (Extended Day linear - Mon/Wed 6:45-8:00am )

Co-requisite: Must be enrolled in Concert Band or contact Ms. Sargent.

Emphasis will be on developing technical skills in the area of Big Band Jazz. All kinds of jazz music will be explored. The instrumentation for this class is saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, and double bass. Students must have a minimum of two years playing experience. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Instrumental Music: Concert Band 10-12 (Extended Day linear - Tues/Thurs 6:45-8:00am)

Prerequisite: minimum two years of instrumental experience or see Ms. Sargent.

The main emphasis is on playing and developing technical skills on your instrument and enjoying more challenging repertoire from the band literature. Many performance opportunities will be offered at concerts, festivals and trips. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Concert Choir 9-12 (Extended Day linear - Mondays 2:40-4:30pm)

Open to all students who wish to sing. Students do not need previous singing experience of any kind. Students will further their understanding of the vocal mechanism and basic music theory skills. The emphasis of this course is performance of music in a variety of styles. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Musical Theatre 9-12 (Block A - Sem. 1)

Every February, Yale Musical Theatre puts on a show, and you can be a part of it! Our musicals are presented at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, and include acting, singing, dancing, and professional level production elements such as sets, lighting, sound, and costumes. All members in this class will be Performers in the Cast. Acting and singing auditions are held during class in the second week of school to determine roles.

Beginner Guitar 9-11 (Sem. 1 - Block C ; Sem. 2 Block A)

For students with little or no previous guitar experience. This is a beginner guitar course designed for students who wish to learn to play guitar. The course content will include basic note reading, chord construction and chording patterns. Students must bring their own acoustic or classical guitar.

Yale Chamber Singers - NEW! (Extended Day linear - Mon. 4:30-5:00pm AND Thurs. 10:55-11:25am)

This is an advanced choir for auditioned singers performing as a select ensemble. Students will rehearse and perform regularly. There may be rehearsals outside of class time that, with prior notice, you may be required to attend. There will be mandatory performances (ex: Christmas Concert) and there may also be opportunities for travel and optional fundraising. Chamber choir is classified as a “club”, however, attendance at all rehearsals are mandatory for the success of the ensemble.

Pre-requisites: Students must be enrolled in Concert Choir and have at least 1 year of choral singing experience. Chamber Choir is open to exceptionally strong singers by audition. The ability to read music is a prerequisite and the ability to part-sing is strongly encouraged.

Audition details: Auditions are approximately 10mins. You will be asked to sing “O Canada” in the key of your choice. You will also be asked to sing a series of vocal exercises and to sight-read.