1.WINDS/BRASS/PERCUSSION

2.ORCHESTRAL STRINGED INSTRUMENTS

3. VOCALS

The Winds class includes brass instruments (i.e. trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba), woodwind instruments (i.e. flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon) and percussion instruments.  

The Strings class is made up of orchestral stringed instruments (i.e. violin, viola, cello and double bass).

The Vocals class is made up of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass singers.

Technical Skills Throughout the program, students work on developing the technical skills of their particular instrument or voice.  Using warm-up exercises, scales, exercises, studies and repertoire appropriate for each grade level, students work daily to master skills.

Performance There are many opportunities for students to gain performance experience in the program.  Starting in the classroom itself, students develop the confidence to perform for peers in a comfortable environment.  Building on this, solo recitals in the senior grades let students use their skills in public performances.  Along with solo work, students perform in chamber ensembles with one student on a part.  Large ensembles, such as choir, band and string ensemble are a required part of every student’s musical experience at Canterbury.  Students can gain further ensemble experience by auditioning for Jazz and Vocal ensembles.

Music Literacy and Keyboard All students study music theory and ear-training to increase their ability to read and hear music.  Basic study of the piano keyboard helps students with theory and ear-training and gives them useful keyboard skills.

Composition Using traditional instruments and the voice, as well as electronic instruments and computer composition software, students will have opportunities each year to learn how to compose original music.  Students work on individual compositions and compositions for chamber groups in a variety of musical styles.

Music History and Listening Throughout the program, students learn about musical styles through the ages.  By listening and analyzing music of the various periods, students become familiar with the structure and historical content behind these styles.  Attending live performances and writing musical reviews increases the student’s knowledge of contemporary music and music of the past.

Step 1: Read every word of the requirements and start preparing your audition now!

Step 2: Apply between Nov 15th - Dec 7th, 2023. In 3-5 business days you will receive an Audition Confirmation Email with a Request for References Form and an audition date and time for both the solo and group auditions.

Step 3: Audition - Group and Solo...

Music Auditions happen in 2 Parts (both parts are mandatory):

Part 1 -  GROUP AUDITIONS/MANDATORY INFO SESSION -Jan 10, 2024

Vocals - Group Audition - Vocals Room at Canterbury High School 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Vocal candidates will receive specific details about the audition process and will be taken through a mock audition. Candidates will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet current students from the program to gain more insight into the program.

Students will participate in group audition activities including group physical and vocal activities, and group sight-reading. This is a chance for us to see you in action and see how well you take direction and take risk in a new, safe environment.

Strings - Group Workshop String Room Canterbury High School 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Strings students will have an opportunity to ask questions and possibly meet other string students from the program to gain more insight into the exciting events and activities that happen at our school.  We will go over the audition process and talk about what students will expect when they arrive for their audition time.  After this, students will have a chance to work with Ms. Mah in an ensemble setting for some fun sight-reading! Bring your instruments and don't worry about any preparation.

 Winds/Percussion - Detailed Information Session on Audition Preparation 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The group orientation workshop is held on the same day for all music applicants. It will provide information on the specifics of the audition process and the expectations of the audition panel.  The purpose is to help students understand what is required in the music audition and to propose ways for students to prepare themselves.  The workshop will:

• Help take the anxiety out of coming for an audition

• Review the audition requirements

• Show what evaluation criteria will be used

• Suggest how to choose and prepare the best piece of music for you

• Discuss the deportment and attitude the panel is looking for at the audition

Students attend this workshop a few weeks before their individual audition.  All music applicants should be in attendance. No advance preparation is required.

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Part 2 - Individual Audition/Interview Jan 24, 25, 26, 29 and 30, 2024 (15 - 20 mins)

All students will be provided with a specific date/time for their individual performance audition and interview in front of a panel of music teachers.  

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS - You must read every word of the audition requirements in the links below.

It is recommended that students get assistance from a Music teacher when selecting and preparing their music for the audition. 

Click here for details on Winds/Percussion audition requirements

Click here for details on Strings audition requirements

Click here for details on Vocals audition requirements