Music

Prerequisite: none

This is an accelerated course for students wanting to play in Band, but did not do so at the elementary school level. Successful completion would also prepare the student to continue on to Band 9 in the future. Previous musical experience may be beneficial but is not required.

Prerequisite: Band 8 co-requisite/permission of instructor

Jazz Band 8 is an extended day course, designed to introduce the student to jazz through playing and listening to its various forms: swing, blues, Latin, funk and jazz rock; and to introduce basic jazz improvisation theory and skills. Music costs may include concerts, festivals, and trips. This is an extended day course and is offered outside the regular timetable. Students will be expected to pay a uniform cleaning fee to the Music Parents’ Association (Cost TBA).

The students in this course will be members of the Walnut Grove Choir.  Traditional choral music in many styles will be studied and performed.  Emphasis will be placed on developing the healthy singing voice, music literacy, and ear training.  The Choir will participate in regular Music Department concerts, community concerts, festivals, competitions and concert tours.  Music costs may include concerts, festivals and trips.  This is an extended day course and is offered outside the timetable. 

Drumline is an exciting music ensemble based on the percussion section of the marching band, and fulfills a Fine Arts requirement.  Although it demands military-like precision, previous musical training is not required.  What it does require is both a strong willingness to learn to read and play percussion, and develop the exacting group precision that is part of playing ‘the Line’.  This is an extended day course and is offered outside the timetable.

Prerequisite:  previous grade level of Band or permission of instructor

This course is intended for those students in Grade 9 who demonstrate intermediate musical skills and/or have successfully completed Band 8.  Music costs may include concerts, festivals, and trips. Students will be expected to pay a uniform cleaning fee to the Music Parents’ Association (Cost TBA).

Prerequisite:  previous grade level of Band or permission of instructor

Band 10/11/12 is a continuation of previous band courses.  Building on previous experience, this course expands and challenges the players’ skill set and increases the student’s ability, understanding, and appreciation of music through performance and study.  Music costs may include concerts, festivals, and trips. Students will be expected to pay a uniform cleaning fee to the Music Parents’ Association (Cost TBA).

Prerequisite: in Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12, and two years music experience

Here’s a chance for string players (violin, viola, cello, bass) to experience playing in a string orchestra. If you have had 2+ years experience, are a comfortable music reader, and are familiar with playing through 3rd position, Orchestra will give you a chance to expand and develop your personal musicianship in an ensemble setting. Students are responsible for providing their own instrument.

Prerequisite: Band 8/9/10/11

Co-requisite: Band 9/10/11/12 or permission of instructor.

Jazz Band 10/11/12 are extended day courses, expanding on earlier jazz offerings. They are available to those interested in developing advanced musical technique in ensemble and solo playing, as well as understanding  the evolution of jazz. Music costs may include concerts, festivals, and trips. Students will be expected to pay a uniform cleaning fee to the Music Parents’ Association (Cost TBA). This course will be offered outside the timetable.

The students in this course will be members of the Walnut Grove Concert Choir.  Traditional Choral Music in many styles will be studied and performed.  Emphasis will be placed on developing the healthy singing voice, music literacy, and ear training.  The Concert Choir will participate in regular Music Department concerts, community concerts, festivals, competitions, and concert tours.  This course will be offered outside the timetable.  Enrollment in the Concert Choir is a co-requisite for membership in Jazz Choir.  Music costs may include concerts, festivals, and trips. 

*Chamber Choir will be formed from the members of the Concert Choir through an audition process.

Corequisite:  Choral experience.  Audition ONLY.

Content:  Chamber Choir is a small (maximum 40 voices) ensemble that performs mostly unaccompanied choral works across the entire spectrum of music history.  Emphasis is placed on “healthy” singing, language, style and ensemble singing.  Students will develop sight reading skills and an appreciation of the aspects of good choral technique.  Music costs may include concerts, festivals, and trips. Students will be expected to pay a uniform cleaning fee to the Music Parents’ Association (Cost TBA). This course will be offered outside the timetable.

Corequisite:  Concert Choir 9/10/11/12 and audition.

This course is an introduction to vocal jazz and its various forms:  music theory directly related to vocal jazz, and jazz literature.  Students will have opportunities to perform publicly both as soloists and as members of the choir.  Music costs may include concerts, festivals, and trips. This course will be offered outside the timetable.

Prerequisite: in Grade 10, 11, or 12

Guitar Level 1 is for beginning and less experienced students interested in learning to play the guitar. The emphasis of this course will be learning proper playing technique and the basics of music theory, through the study and performance of a variety of styles of music. There will be regular in-class performances and the opportunity for recording. Guitars will be available for classroom use, although students may bring their own acoustic or classical guitar.

Expectations:

1. To develop correct posture and hand position.
2. To identify the parts of the guitar and string designation.
3. To demonstrate proper care and maintenance of the guitar.
4. To develop an awareness of correct tuning of the open strings.
5. To learn basic fundamentals of rhythm and reading Tablature.
6. To learn proper strumming, finger style, and flat picking techniques.
7. To learn basic open chords, scales, and bass lines in first position.
8. To develop proper placement of movable “E” and “A” type bar chords.

Prerequisite:  Guitar Level 1 or permission of instructor and in Grade 10, 11, or 12

Guitar Level 2 is for experienced guitarists interested in continuing their study of the instrument. This course will expand students’ playing technique and understanding of music theory through the study and performance of a variety of styles of music. There will be regular in-class performances and the opportunity for recording. Guitars will be available for classroom use, although students may bring their own acoustic or classical guitar.

Expectations:

1. To learn extended open chords, scales, and bass lines in multiple positions.
2. To demonstrate advanced skills of rhythm and reading Tablature.
3. To demonstrate a facility of correct standard tuning as well as other exploring other open tunings.
4. To develop an awareness of position playing, movable scales, and transposition.
5. To demonstrate improvisation using melodic phrases, variations, and chord progressions.
6. To perform in a live setting such as The Fraser Valley Acoustic Guitar Festival.
7. To become aware of career opportunities.