CONCERT BAND 9-12
Prerequisite: Band 8, 9, 10 and/or 11, or permission of instructor
Band is a performance course for students who would like to continue to develop their abilities on their chosen instrument. The ensemble will work on a wide variety of music to help expand the skills and concepts learned in previous levels. Students will work toward mastering and performing challenging band music. Home practice is required. Students will be assessed through performance tests, class performance, class participation, attendance, concerts, assignments, practicing, and general effort. All performances are mandatory.
JAZZ BAND 9-12
Prerequisite: Application and audition. This course must be taken concurrently with Concert Band. *NOTE: no audition will be required for the 2021-2022 school year.
Jazz Band is a performance course with the students developing skills in the jazz idiom. The ensemble will study a wide variety of music including swing, funk, Latin, rock, pop, etc. Students will be assessed through performance tests, class participation, concerts, assignments, practicing, attendance and general effort. There are 2 Jazz Band classes at GWG: Sr Jazz Band (advanced/experienced Jazz musicians) runs inside the timetable and Jr. Jazz Band (beginning/intermediate Jazz musicians) runs outside the timetable. All performances are mandatory.
PEP BAND 9-12
Prerequisite: This course must be taken concurrently with Concert Band 9-12
This is a performance based course where students will perform at athletic events (football game, basketball games, tournaments, etc), school functions and community events (parades, etc). Students will perform a variety of rock and pop music and will have an opportunity to arrange their music for the ensemble. Students will be assessed through in class playing, performances, assignments, musicianship and general effort. This class will meet outside of the time table. (Time TBA).
CHORAL MUSIC 9-12 (Choir 9-12)
Prerequisite: None
Choir is a performance course that will aid students in developing proper singing habits. Students will work toward mastering and performing a wide variety of challenging vocal music. Home practice is required. Students learning will be assessed through participation, class performance, concert performances, assignments, and overall effort. All performances are mandatory.
VOCAL JAZZ 9-12
Prerequisite: Vocal experience is an asset, but not required. Application and audition. *NOTE: no audition will be required for the 2021-2022 school year.
Vocal Jazz is a performance course with students developing their vocal skills in predominantly the jazz idiom. The ensemble will study a wide variety of music including swing, Latin, rock, pop and musical theatre. Home practice is required. This course is held outside the timetable one day a week from 2:40 – 4:15 pm. and during Tutorial. Evaluation will be assessed through class participation, attendance, concerts, assignments, performance testing and general effort. All performances are mandatory.
ORCHESTRAL STRINGS 9-12
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to the orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) and to enhance the skills of students who have previous experience with orchestral strings. Students will develop their skills on their chosen string instrument while learning to read music notation and participating in a String Orchestra. Home practice is required. Students will be assessed through attendance, class participation, performance tests, and assignments. All performances are mandatory
INSTRUMENTAL SURVEY 11 / 12
Prerequisite: Band 10/11 and permission of the instructor. This course must be taken concurrently with Concert Band.
Students will be enrolled in a junior band class, learning new instruments of their choice and working with junior students. Students may also assume a teaching role. Students will be assessed through performance tests, class participation, concerts, practicing, and general effort. All performances are mandatory.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 9-12 (Guitar 9-12)
Prerequisite: None
Guitar 9-12 has been split into 2 different courses depending on a students experience/ability.
Beginner Guitar: This course is designed for those who are beginners on the guitar and have no experience playing Guitar.
Intermediate Guitar: This course is for students who have have experience playing guitar and are looking to advance their skills.
There are no prerequisites for either course but please ensure you are signing up for the appropriate level course. Students are encouraged to bring their own guitars to school (a hard shell case is recommended), but a few school guitars are available for those who are unable to bring their own. Course will include chording, strumming patterns and learning notation (standard and tabs). Students need to be prepared to do at least a little singing as well.