Band Program - General
Instrumental Music & General Music - Band (5 credits each)
Standard Band accepts intermediate and advanced Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion students. Students develop their skills, technique, and musical understanding as musicians in a group setting, work in chamber groups, as well as working on solo repertoire in weekly group lessons. Band Musicians perform at festivals, concerts, and around the world on tour.
Jazz Band (by annual audition)
Jazz band is a place for students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass or drums to perform popular music from the last 100 years! Students will have the opportunity to develop their reading and jazz skills, including studies in contemporary jazz styles and improvisation. This ensemble is in demand for many performances throughout the year!
Strings Program- General
Beginner Strings Technique - Instrumental Music 10 (5 credits)
Do you want to learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass? This course will start from the beginning, teaching music reading skills, how to play in a group, as well as the fundamentals of playing a string instrument. From there it won’t be long before we are making beautiful music together! We will explore all kinds of music from classical to contemporary and even some music from the silver screen. Beginner strings will have several performance opportunities throughout the year. This course is scheduled two times a week in the extended timetable.
Beginner String Orchestra Ensemble - Chamber Music 15 (3 credits)
This class is designed as an extension to the Beginner String Technique course offered in the first semester. Beginner String Ensemble is meant as a place for students new to being in an orchestra to develop their skills and learn how to perform in an ensemble. Students will continue to experience live performance during the semester as a way to provide the challenge necessary to develop confidence.
This course is scheduled in the extended timetable.
Standard Strings - Instrumental Music 10 (5 credits)
Standard Strings accepts intermediate and advanced violin, viola, cello and contrabass players. Students develop their skills, technique, and musical understanding as musicians in a group setting, work in chamber groups, as well as working on solo repertoire in weekly group lessons. Standard Strings perform at festivals, concerts, and around the world on tour.
String Orchestra Ensemble - Chamber Music 15/25/35 (5 credits each)
String orchestra is a place for experienced string players to come together and perform music selected from the vast and varied orchestral repertoire. Our ensemble focuses on mentorship and teamwork to build leadership skills through the 15, 25 and 35 levels. Opportunities to perform at a variety of venues and festivals will be experienced as a way to build confidence and gain performance abilities.
This course is scheduled in the extended timetable.
Guitar 15/25/35 (5 credits each)
Students interested in learning to play the guitar can enrol in Guitar 15 to explore a new instrument and develop a lifelong skill that will come in handy more often than you’d think! The school does not provide guitars for rent, and so students interested in this course must provide their own suitable guitar (acoustic or classical preferred, electric guitars are acceptable but will not be played with an amp in class.) Students interested in continuing their study of guitar technique and adding to their catalogue of songs can continue in Guitar 25 or 35. As students advance, they will undertake more independent and group projects, including basics of recording and live performance.
Upcoming Events
Band Concert May 22 at Rosza Centre, University of Calgary:
"Journeys: Sky is not the Limit"
https://theatre-tickets.ucalgary.ca/?tx=84401
Jazz Concert April 28 at Ironwood Stage and Grill
https://www.stagehand.app/events/13647
Orchestra Concert: "Free Spirit" - May 16th
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/free-spirit-tickets-877054452477
Vocal Concert: "Being Human" - May 15
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/being-human-tickets-877027231057