Grade 9 Music (AMI1O)
AMI1O emphasizes developing musical technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will complete a range of playing, composition, and listening activities to grow their musicality. When safe to return to regular rehearsals and performances, grade 9 music students perform in Junior Band, which rehearses weekly outside of class.
The Mackenzie Music Mentorship Program is available to all students to quickly introduce them to their new instrument and get them comfortable playing and learning with their peers, or to further develop their instrumental skills with one-on-one instruction and guidance from a Senior Mackenzie Musician.
Should I take Beginner (AMI1O2) or Advanced (AMI01) Music?
Beginner Music (AMI1O2) is ideal if you:
Have less than 2 full years experience on their chosen Woodwind, Brass or Percussion instrument
Have limited classroom music experience
Have some experience on piano or a string instrument, but less than 4 years
Have minimal ensemble (group playing) experience
Beginner players will be introduced to a Woodwind, Brass or Concert Percussion instrument, and taught the proper playing position, posture, embouchure and breath support, and note-reading skills on their instrument. Students with limited experience from Middle School will be guided towards a better understanding of proper technique, note reading and performance expectations.
Advanced Music (AMI1O1) is ideal if you:
Have at least two years experience on your wind, brass, or percussion instrument OR
Have extensive experience on keyboard (6+ years) or string (4+ years) instruments, as this would allow you to pick up a wind, brass, or percussion instrument more easily
Required prior knowledge includes: proper posture, playing position, and embouchure formation; ability to read written notation (notes and rhythms) in their instrument’s clef; be able to play (at minimum) a one-octave scale in Concert B flat and E flat major; large ensemble experience (band or orchestra)*
Grade 10 Music (AMI2O)
AMI1O Bucket Drumming.mp4Gr 9 Beginner Bucket Drumming - COVID safe!
AMI1O1 - Flute Experienced Solo.mp4Grade 9 (Experienced) Flute Solo!
Students from both the Beginner and Experienced Grade 9 course are welcome in Grade 10 Experienced Instrumental Music. Students will build on their performance experience from Grade 9, applying their skills and knowledge of theory, listening, analysis and composition. Grade 10 Instrumental Music course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at a level that builds on previous experience and is aimed at developing technique (posture, embouchure, etc.), sensitivity, and imagination.
There is no prerequisite for this course, however, successful completion of AMI1O is highly recommended.
Grade 11 Music (AMI3M)
Students who have successfully completed either Grade 9 or 10 Instrumental Music are encouraged to take Grade 11 Music. Students will build on their prior performance experience, applying their skills and knowledge of theory, listening, analysis and composition in more complex ways. Students the the Grade 11 Instrumental Music course will have the opportunity to write and analyse music for a variety of ensembles, and engage in student-directed inquiry-based projects. The Grade 11 Instrumental Music course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at an intermediate level.
Students in the Grade 11 Instrumental Music class will perform regularly at school and department events, both as soloists, small ensemble members, and as a class band. Participation in one of our bi-annual concerts, Sounds of the Season or Music Night at Arts in Bloom is expected.
Opportunities for enrichment include: Participation in Wind Ensemble, Participation in Jazz Band
Leads to: AMI4M Grade 12 Instrumental Music
Grade 12 Music (AMI4M)
Students who have successfully completed Grade 11 Instrumental Music are encouraged to take Grade 12 Instrumental Music. Students in the Grade 12 course will engage in a variety of creative, inquiry-based projects, and explore conducting and rehearsal techniques, in addition to continuing to develop their solo and ensemble performance skills. Students will have the opportunity to explore learning a secondary instrument, and The Grade 12 Instrumental Music course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at an advanced level, and provides support for those students who wish to apply to study music at a post-secondary level.
Performance Expectations:
Students in the Grade 12 Instrumental Music class will perform regularly at school and department events, both as soloists, small ensemble members, and as a class band. Participation in one of our bi-annual concerts, Sounds of the Season or Music Night at Arts in Bloom is expected.
Opportunities for enrichment include: Participation in Wind Ensemble, Participation in Jazz Band, Conducting the class band or Grade 9 Band.