At GISS, students have a range of Music courses to choose from. Students planning to enter university directly after high school (ie without transfer from college) are normally required to have a fine art credit at the Grade 11 level. Many music courses meet this requirement. Some faculties may waive this requirement. Check with the individual institutions. All music students are required to wear black, formal attire for semester end performances and bring their own instrument to use in class
Concert Band 9-12: (outside the timetable)
Concert Band is for any students wishing to learn a new instrument or continue to develop their skills on an instrument they already play. We will learn instrumental techniques, develop music reading skills, ensemble techniques, and play a variety of concert band repertoire. Concert Band is a performance course and students will be expected to participate in a number of performances throughout the year.
Concert Choir 9 - 12 (outside the timetable)
Choir is open to students from grades 9 – 12 and explores several concepts in vocal music, including ear training and work in 3 – 4 part harmony or even 6 part harmony in the advanced choir. It is expected that students will participate in performances and formal black performance clothing is a requirement. Placements are determined in September.
Jazz Band 9-12 (outside the timetable)
Jazz Band is for students with at least two years experience on their instrument (woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section instruments - piano, bass, guitar, drums). We will work on instrumental techniques, ensemble techniques and improvisation in a variety of styles (swing, big band, Latin, rock, fusion, etc). Jazz Band is a performance course and students will be expected to participate in a number of performances throughout the year.
Music Composition 10 - 12
This series of courses explores classical, pop, rock, and world music genres with increasing complexity. In addition to the playing and theory components of the course, students are expected to use technology and participate in public and classroom performances. Students will be assessed through their classroom participation, theory work, performances, and the compositions they create.
Guitar 10-12
In these courses, students will explore different styles of music, ranging from pop, rock, to classical music. Students will learn theory, composition, symbols, rhythm, and technical terms, in addition to reading notes and chords. There is a focus on performance, compositions and reading music. While students do not need experience to enter this course, they need to bring an acoustic or classical guitar to use in class.