Why should I take Grade 9 music?
Like any other course, Grade 9 is the building block for the rest of your high school musical career (if you choose to go that way). It’s almost like a doorway to bigger and better things. Should you choose to continue, in addition to the regular instrumental or vocal class, you will have the opportunity to play or sing for award-winning ensembles such as the Wind Ensemble, Madrigal Choir, and Jazz Band, which would otherwise have been unavailable to you. Plus, the music department is a department like no other. You will meet friends and make music, and most of all, have fun. It’s almost like family, without the annoying siblings. It’s also a nice little break in your otherwise hectic school schedule. 

What will I learn in music?
This being your first year, you will be building on the skills you have learned in elementary school. Be prepared to correct technical errors like body position and breathing technique, and to encounter music that may be a little difficult. Don’t worry, it’s not impossible, and you’ll be impressed with yourself later on. You will also learn the basic rudiments of theory and how to play or sing together as an ensemble. Balance, tone, and tuning will become regular parts of your vocabulary as you learn to make music. If you select other courses in upper years, you may learn the jazz idiom and improvisation; composing and arranging with the computer; conducting; small ensemble/chamber techniques; and some music history. 

Do I have to go to rehearsal?
In short, yes. You are part of a group that relies on every person to be at their best. 

What else is there to do around here that isn’t a rehearsal?
Plenty! Concerts and rehearsals aside, there are many other music-organized events that take place throughout the year. For example, the department’s annual frozen food fundraising campaign in the Fall, Music Council cookie-selling and singing telegrams, MusicFest (a regional and national music competition), winter and spring concerts, the annual Guitar concert and the Banquet in May. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see special guests perform. In 2003, a visiting school from Newfoundland came and astounded us with their vocal performances, and last year we hosted a vocal group from McGill University and a sax quartet from Western. Every other year, there is usually a big trip for music students only. Some of the places we’ve been? Florida (Disneyworld!), Ottawa, Boston, Montreal, New Orleans, and most recently Florida again! Yes, there’s plenty to do around here. Stick around, maybe you’ll see something you like. 

What else can I be in?
Ensembles open to Grade 9s range far and wide. If you’ve got the stuff, we’ve got room for you. To start off, one of the Grade 9 bands and/or Concert Choir are your primary options. Junior Jazz starts up later on in the year, and is open to all. Elite ensembles such as the Chamber Choir, Madrigal Choir and Jazz Band require auditions. Sometimes, special invitations are extended for exceptional individuals to join the Wind Ensemble or Jazz Combo. 

Why do I have to share an instrument?
Some students may have to share instruments with another student in a higher grade because there are often more students in the department who play a certain instrument than there are instruments. If you don’t already own one, you’ll need to buy your own mouthpiece (unless you play the flute.) Mouthpieces are sold at the beginning of term. You might have to be more aware of who else plays your instrument come concert nights if you share, but during the year it is rare that you’ll encounter any problems (i.e. regarding sign-out, rehearsal times.) 

Speaking of sign-out, how do I do that?
There is a binder on the counter in front of the music office. Just write down your name, the instrument number or the name of the book/folder, and the date, and off you go! The next morning, just cross your name off and return everything to the shelves from which they came. Everything must be returned the next school day unless you have special permission from one of the teachers. Instruments or music that are not returned can create problems in classes and rehearsals, and invoke unnecessary wrath. Oh, and there is no sign-out Monday nights because all instruments have to be there for the evening Wind Ensemble rehearsal. 

What is the deal with practise logs anyway?
Ah yes, practise logs. That minimum one hour each week you have to practise on top of rehearsal time. Practise is an indispensable part of improving as a musician. That measly one hour each week adds up over the year, and both your technique and your tone will improve by miles. A little work pays off big in the end! Also, for those concerned with report cards, practise logs make up a good chunk of your mark, so be diligent! 

Who are those people in the fuzzy red vests?
Why, they’re your friendly neighbourhood Music Council! They’re the people who want you to feel welcome in the little family you’ve signed yourself up to be in. In a jelly donut, they’d be the jelly. If you have any questions or concerns that aren’t covered here, or if you simply want to chat one of them up, feel free to hunt them down and fire away. Want to know more? You can also go here. For those interested in being a part of the Music Council, elections take place at the end of September. 

Still have questions? Fill out this form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.