MUSIC 9 COURSES
The music department at Terry Fox believes that making music and art and participating in musical communities are essential for the development of the whole person. We offer students opportunities to be a part of a wide variety of music courses and communities at every level of ability.
Besides the fun, meaning, and community that comes from making music, music also supports student success in other areas of learning and parts of their lives.
Through music, students will:
- gain a discipline, perseverance, and pride of accomplishment
- are encouraged to be active participants in their work rather than just observers
- become better at problem solving. They learn to be self-critical and self-correct
- learn teamwork, co-operation, and leadership skills
- gain confidence, self-expression, and communication skills
- gain enhanced memory skills and concentration
- form bonds of friendship and memories that will last a lifetime
It has been shown that there is a strong link between music and spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the visual world accurately, to form mental images of visual objects, and to recognize variations of objects). These spatial reasoning skills are essential to the studies of math, science and engineering, and many colleges and universities give weight to people who have studied “classical” music when reviewing applications for entrance, scholarship, or bursaries.
TECHNOLOGY-BASED MUSIC COURSES
These courses provide instruction on how to perform and record using professional music technology and equipment. Student portfolios and skill sets developed during the senior levels of Rock School and Recording Arts may be considered for preferential admission, advanced credits, and scholarship applications when students apply to be accepted to the following post-secondary institutions:
Nimbus School of Recording Arts, The Art Institute of Vancouver (AI), and the Douglas College Music Technology Certificate Program. The Terry Fox Rock School and Recording Arts program has been nationally recognized for its excellence and innovation. For more information please visit www.rockthefox.ca
Band 9
Course Code: XBA—09
Concert band is perfect for people who want to play (or learn to play) music in a group. Woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments can do great things when they work together. Concert Band focuses on playing skills and musicianship, and we explore music from movies, musical theatre, and composters from around the world. Students perform several concerts a year and we often do field trips together as a group. Concerts Band is scheduled during Block E and meets every other day (day 1’s) all year. Beginner students are welcome at all grade levels.
NOTE: Since Concert Band is scheduled into Block E, it may be taken in addition to an 8 course load.
Choir 9
Course Code: XC—09
For grade 9 students.
Everyone who likes to sing or wants to learn to sing should join choir. Choir students rehearse a diverse mix of music as they learn repertoire and prepare for performances. Vocal technique, movement/choreography, and performance skills are things we explore together. The Choir present several concerts each year we we often do many field trips as a group. Choir is scheduled during Block E and meets every other day (Day 2’s) all year. No prior music experience is necessary.
NOTE: Since Concert Choir is scheduled into Block E, it may be taken in addition to an 8 course load.
Guitar 9
Course Code: XGUIT09
This course is designed for those with little or no previous experience on the guitar. Students begin by learning the basic chords and how to read guitar tab. In addition to learning many songs, students will learn strumming, picking, power and barre chords, and some extended techniques. The school provides guitars and music for this course.
Recording Arts 9
Course Code: MMU-09RA
Students should have some beginner music skills, but it is not absolutely necessary. All students are encouraged to join. This is an introductory course designed for students who want to learn how to digitally record music. This is a great opportunity for students to learn how to record their favourite music styles including Rap, Hip Hop and electronic dance music. Students will get hands on instruction in basic modern recording techniques, which are essential to the professional composer/recording artist. Students will receive an mp3 of their mastered recording.
Rock School 9
Course Code: MMU-09
Students should have some beginner music skills, but all students are encouraged to join. Beginner students will have the opportunity to learn their instruments during the course and will not be required to perform at the final show if they feel they are not yet performance ready. This course is designed to create a learning environment for beginner and intermediate musicians who wish to perform in band formats of all genres including Rock, Metal, Pop, Punk, R&B, Rap & Hip Hop. Students will receive basic instruction in how to play their instruments. They will also learn how to organize and rehearse a contemporary music ensemble. Students will be able to choose their instrument and style of music. Students will also be taught the following: cultural significance of popular music, operating and maintaining basic equipment, performance techniques and audience interaction, recording opportunities, developing promotional materials and understanding the music business. Opportunities to perform will be made available, but performance at the year-end concert is not mandatory.