Everyone should make music every day.
This statement is the summation of the Point Grey Music Department’s philosophy of music education. Every effort is made to ensure that students are placed in the appropriate level of ensemble. None of the large ensembles at Point Grey are auditioned; students are placed largely by age to enable social, as well as musical, development. (The large ensembles are the String Ensembles, Junior and Senior Concert Choirs, and all 4 levels of Concert Band.) We have a firm belief that every student deserves an opportunity for musical expression, regardless of ability; therefore, the evaluation system used to determine marks for the large ensembles is ~50% musical proficiency and ~50% participation. As long as a student is willing to participate and genuinely striving for improvement, they will be encouraged to continue and be rewarded with a good mark. No sincere student is refused a place in a large ensemble.
Welcome. We have a place for you.
Concert Band
Concert Band Level 1
Beginner Band 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Open to students in Grades 8 to 12.
No experience is needed for this introductory band course. Basics of playing and musicianship will be covered. Students will choose one of the following instruments:
Flute French Horn Oboe Trumpet Bassoon Trombone Clarinet Baritone Bass Clarinet Tuba Alto Saxophone Percussion Tenor Saxophone Baritone Saxophone
Concert Band Level II
Intermediate Band 8, 9
Prerequisite: Elementary School Band or equivalent
Open to students in Grades 8 & 9
This course will build on the musical skills developed in elementary school or junior band. Concerts and other activities will be a component of this course.
Concert Band Level III
Concert Band 9, 10
Prerequisite: One year experience
This is a performance course for students with at least one year of playing a band instrument. A wide variety of music will be learned, as well as continued emphasis on musical development. Concerts and other activities will be a component of this course.
Concert Band Level IV
Symphonic Band 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Concert Band 9/10 or equivalent
Students must choose to take Symphonic Band either on the timetable or off the timetable.
This is Point Grey’s most advanced concert band. The Symphonic Band will play more music concerts and may be involved in a tour. A wide variety of music will be learned, with a continued emphasis on musical skill development.
String Ensemble
Strings Level 1
Beginner/Intermediate Strings 8, 9, 10
Prerequisite: None
Open to students in Grades 8 – 10 Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass players are welcome.
Bowing techniques, orchestral ensemble, rehearsal and performance skills will be strongly emphasized. Performance with the ensemble is an essential portion of the class.
Strings Level 2
Senior Strings 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Strings 8 – 10 or special permission.
Open to students in Grades 10 – 12
This is Point Grey’s most advanced string ensemble. This course will build on material learned in Beginner/Intermediate Strings. The Senior Strings may be involved in a musical tour. A wide variety of music will be learned with a continued emphasis on musical skill development.
Choir
Junior Concert Choir 8, 9
Prerequisite: None
Open to students in Grades 8 & 9
Students must choose to take Junior Concert Choir either on the timetable or off the timetable.
This large performing choir welcomes all singers in grades 8 and 9. The group sings music ranging from early classical to pop and gospel while learning vocal production, music reading, and general musicianship. While the on and off timetable classes meet separately each week, they will perform together as one choir.
Senior Concert Choir 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None.
Open to students in Grades 10, 11 & 12
Students must choose to take Senior Concert Choir either on the timetable or off the timetable.
This large performing choir welcomes all singers in grades 10 through 12, though new singers are welcome. The course will build on the musical skill developed in Junior Concert Choir. The group sings music ranging from early classical to pop and gospel, while learning vocal production, music reading, and general musicianship. This class performs with the Off Timetable Concert Choir and tours each spring.
Chamber Choir 9, 10, 11, 12 Off Timetable
Audition Required in February/March.
All students in Chamber Choir must also be part of a large ensemble; either a concert choir, concert band, or string ensemble.
This is an auditioned ensemble of 30 – 40 singers. Commitment, positive attitude, and musical ability are stressed in the ensemble, which is the top performing choir at Point Grey. A variety of music will be chosen for performances at school concerts, festivals, retreats and tours.
Jazz
Jazz Band 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Must be concurrently enrolled in a Concert Band or Strings class.
Students interested in playing jazz should sign up for the Jazz Band course corresponding to their grade. Students will be placed in Jazz Band A,B, or C in September according to their playing ability. Jazz A and B run off the timetable while Jazz C (Jazz 9) will run on the timetable. Off timetable classes typically on 1 morning and 1 after school per week.
Jazz Combo 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Must be part of a large ensemble; either a concert choir, concert band, or string ensemble, except by special permission
Students interested in learning to improvise in the jazz idiom should sign up for the Jazz Combo course corresponding to their grade. Students will be placed in a combo in September.