overview

• The Music Department at Northern aims to expose students to a variety of musical genres from all over the world, and to help students develop their technical, creative, and analytical musical skills. 

• We offer students a wide range of course options to choose from. In grade nine, students can choose from Band, Strings, Guitar, and Vocal Music. In grades 11 and 12 we also offer Music & Computers. Most of our courses have co-curricular ensembles associated with them: concert band or symphony orchestra for instrumental music, and choir for vocal music. 

• Students are given numerous performance opportunities: in class, they’ll perform for each other as soloists and in ensembles. Outside of class, they’ll perform at our seasonal concerts as part of a large ensemble, and are also welcome to take part in our “Music Cafes” which feature soloists and small ensembles. We also take part in the TDSB “Sounds of Toronto” concert at Massey or Roy Thomson Hall every year - this concert allows students the opportunity to perform with other students across the city.

• All of our courses incorporate the three strands from the Ontario curriculum: Creation, Analysis and Foundations. Activities that focus on creation include performing, composing, and arranging. Analysis activities include guided listening, journal reflections, and research projects. Foundations activities include written theory assignments, ear training exercises, and history projects. 

• Technology also plays an important role in all our music courses. Students will explore music notation software, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and recording equipment.

• Aside from our music courses, there are many extra curricular groups: Jazz Band, Chamber Choir, and String Octet to name just a few.

• We hope you’ll be part of our vibrant music community next year!

course listings

Co-curricular COnnections

Northern Concerts:

• “Winterlude” Winter concert featuring main large ensembles.

• “Tunescape” Spring concert featuring main large ensembles.

• “Sounds of Toronto” TDSB secondary concert at Massey/Roy Thomson Hall

• “Music Cafes” Series of concerts for soloists and small ensembles.

Co-curricular Ensembles:

• Concert Band

• Choir

• Symphony Orchestra

• String Orchestra

Extra-curricular Ensembles/Groups:

• Jazz Band

• Chamber Choir

• A Capella Choir

• String Octet

• Saxophone Ensemble

• Flute Ensemble

• Music Council - Organizes music dept. concerts and events

• Mainstage Ensemble - Musical accompaniment for dramatic productions (i.e. musicals)

Guest Artists:

• Band, Strings, Guitar and Vocal clinicians

Field Trips:

• Concerts

• Music Festivals (OBA, OVF, Kiwanis) 

• Combined rehearsals for “Sounds of Toronto”

links & media

Music Department Website: https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/nss-music/home