Welcom to Music at FMM
Grade 9 Instrumental Music AWU1O1
The grade 9 Music Program offers students the opportunity to learn a wind or percussion instrument with absolutely no previous musical training. The new musician will choose the flute, oboe, clarinet, alto or tenor saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, bells, drums or percussion.
Performance is an important part of this course. Besides the Annual Christmas and Spring Concerts, the Junior Concert Band will perform at the Ontario Band Association’s Musicfest, York Region’s Music Alive and the student’s favourite Wonderland Music Festival.
This group rehearses once a week commencing at the end of October to prepare for the YCDSB Annual Super Saturday in November, a gathering of grade 9’s from all High Schools in the Board. Perhaps the most fun for the grade 9’s is the Annual Art’s Banquet and trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls during the first weekend in June.
In addition to the practical performances, students will learn music theory, music history, ear training and composition. They will also learn to improve their focus and concentration skills through performance.
Each student will pay $80.00 per year to rent an instrument for their use only, from September until the end of the school year.
Grade 9 Advanced Instrumental Music
The grade 9 Advanced Music Program is only for students who have previous experience on a wind or percussion instrument. This does not include piano.
The student will eventually be joined by the grade 9 beginners in the Junior Band however, if the Advanced musician displays good musicianship, they will also be able to join the grade 10’s in the Intermediate Concert Band.
They follow an enriched grade 9 program and join the Intermediate Concert Band in their activities.
Grade 10 Instrumental Music AMU2O1 (grade 9 music is a recommended prerequisite or appointment with Music Teacher)
In grade 10 the musicians have the opportunity to improve their musical skills on their instruments. This is a transition year from beginner musician to more advanced Senior Music Ensemble.
Ear training, chorales, etudes, studies and scales become an important part of their daily routine.
Public performances and Music Festivals are important for the accelerated development of our music students at Father McGivney (as in grade 9). Some Intermediate Band members will be invited to be a part of the Concert Winds and travel with them.
Students will increase their time on theory, composition and music history.
Grade 11 Instrumental Music AMU3M1 (Grade 10 music is a prerequisite or audition)
In grade 11 the music students becomes refined musicians and ambassadors for the school. They perform Christmas Concerts at all five of our feeder Elementary Schools, participate in all of our McGivney Liturgies, Remembrance Day, Black History Assembly and many more. The Concert Winds also participate in all of the Festivals (except Wonderland) and also compete in Kiwanis.
As the musicians become more sophisticated and creative so does their instruction. Emphasis is on Chamber music, theory, composition and music history.
The Band plans yearly trips in Canada, the U.S. and abroad.
Grade 12 Instrumental Music AMU4M1 (Grade 11 music is a prerequisite or audition)
In grade 12 the musicians become leaders in the Concert Winds and Music Program. The senior students lead sectionals and inspire the younger musicians to achieve their best.
The students are prepared for post-secondary music programs and continue with Chamber music, chorales, etudes, studies and scales. Ear training, theory, history and composition are developed in more detail
At Graduation in June the grade 12's perform a class composition for their fellow graduating students.
Band Trip
Over the years, the Concert Winds have traveled over the world: out of North America they have visited Italy, Jamaica and Cuba; in the USA: Boston, New York City, Dallas, Orlando, Washington and in Canada Quebec City, Montreal, Niagara Falls and Downtown Toronto.
