WINDS/BRASS/PERCUSSION

The Winds/Brass/Percussion Program includes brass instruments (i.e. trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba), woodwind instruments (i.e. flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon) and percussion instruments (snare drum, marimba, timpani, drum set, aux percussion.).  

STRINGS

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

VOCALS

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

Please note: We do not offer spots in the music program for piano, guitar or harp. However if a student is interested in learning a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass) you can audition on the instrument that you currently play and discuss the option to learn violin, viola, cello or bass if you are accepted to the program. This is because we only offer instruments that are suited to bands or string ensembles.  There are opportunities to play guitar or piano as a secondary instrument in the jazz band and these spots are by audition once in the program. For example: we have students who play guitar in jazz band but are in the vocals program or who play piano  in jazz band but play violin in the strings program etc. There are opportunities to play your secondary instruent(s) in Coffee Houses (by audition) and Lunch amd Listens.

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, string ensemble and orchestra 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

 All students study music theory and ear-training to increase their ability to read and hear music.  

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.

You can find more information on the Music Department Website 

Students from Grades 8 - 11 are welcome to apply for the Music!  Please follow the application instructions on the Apply!  page to complete your Arts Canterbury application.  Below, you will find information specific to Music applicants.

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Music auditions take place in 2 parts.  Both sessions are mandatory. 

PART 1

Music: Group Audition/Group Workshop/Group Information Session 

When: Tuesday, January 6, 2026  (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE)

**In the case of inclement weather, the alternate date will be Thursday, January 8**

Where: Canterbury High School

Time:  1-2 hours starting at 6:00PM (exact time length below)

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

Vocals - Group Audition in Vocals Room from 6:00 - 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 in Strings Room from 6:00 - 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/Brass/Percussion - Group Information Session on Audition Preparation from 6:00 - 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

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PART 2

Music:  Individual Audition / Interview 

What: Solo Performance Audition / Interview in front of 2 music teachers (See 'Audition Requirements' below for information on solo performance audition requirements)

When: January 23, 26, 27, 28 or 29, 2026

Where: Canterbury High School

Time:  *Please see your Audition Confirmation Letter  for your exact date and time.* 

(If you applied to Arts Canterbury, but did not receive an Audition Confirmation Letter, please contact arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca.)

Note: There is a music theory assessment after the audition for students applying for Grade 10, 11, and 12 (See  below)

MORE ABOUT AUDITIONS

Availability: Please plan to be available for any and all of the dates indicated above. These dates can not be altered for appointments or vacations so please plan accordingly. Inclement weather is accounted for and you will be notified the night before or morning of in this case. 

Final Exams: Students who are currently in Grade 9, 10 or 11 should email arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca as soon as possible if they realize that there will be a conflict between the audition date/time given in their Audition Confirmation Letter and a school exam. In this case we will move the audition time during the dates provided below. We will also try to schedule auditions for the afternoons - after exams.

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Music: Theory Assessment (Students Applying for Grades 10, 11 or 12)

Students applying to Music for Grades 10, 11 or 12 will need to answer questions based on grade-related theory after the performance audition.  This will take 20 - 30 minutes. 

Each book listed below should be learned and studied in its entirety to prepare for this portion of the audition.

Applying for Grade 10: Elementary Music Rudiments, Basic. by Mark Sarnecki, Frederick Harris Music

Applying for Grade 11: Elementary Music Rudiments, Intermediate. by Mark Sarnecki, Frederick Harris Music

Applying for Grade 12: Elementary Music Rudiments, Grade 2. by Mark Sarnecki, Frederick Harris Music

Books can be purchased through this website - www.frederickharrismusic.com - or from local music stores. 

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Music: Audition Requirements 

Please 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. 

IMPORTANT: Band or Orchestra music is NOT acceptable for the audition.

• Click here for Audition Requirements for the Winds/Brass/Percussion Program

• Click here for Audition Requirements for the Strings Program

• Click here for Audition Requirements for the Vocal Program