“Where words fail; music speaks”

 

The Music Department at Bradford District High School is a vibrant program that exposes students to many aspects of music education. Each year we have the pleasure of welcoming Grade 9 students who have no previous musical experience and students who have extensive musical experience.

 

In later grades (10-12), students build on the skills learned in Grade 9 to refine their practice and performance. The Music program is performance driven and focuses on instrumental band instruments, including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion.

 

Contact Us!

Ms. Reynolds [email protected]

 

Upcoming Events

Music Festival – Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 at 4:00 pm (Chinese Cultural Centre, Scarborough)-Parents Welcomed!

Toronto Symphony Orchestra Field Trip - Monday, April 15th, 2024

Performing Arts Night (Spring) – Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 7pm

Courses

To view the courses offered through the Music Department, please visit the BDHS Course Calendar at www.myBlueprint.ca/Simcoe

Extra Curricular Activities

Concert Band – rehearses on Wednesdays after school until 3:30

Jazz Band – rehearses on Thursdays after school until 3:30

Rock Band – rehearses at lunch; see Mr. Chasmer for details [email protected]

 

FAQs

 

Do I need musical experience to take music at BDHS?

  • No! Everyone in Grade 9 is welcome to take Music even if they have no musical experience at all. If you already have some experience, it will help you, but it is not required.

     

    What will we do in Music class?
  • We will learn all the skills that will help you learn and grow as a musician, including (but not limited to): how to read music, how to interpret rhythms, how to play an instrument, how music is created, creating digital music, and how has music impacted people in the near and distant past.

     

    I already play piano or guitar, can I play piano or guitar in class too?

  • While having a piano or guitar background will help you in music class, the instruments we offer are: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, baritone, tuba, and percussion.

  I'm in Grade 10 and there are two courses listed on the course calendar.  Which one should I select?

  •  There are two course options for Grade 10s: AMI20 (Experienced) and AMU20 (Beginner).  If you took Music in Grade 9, the next course is AMI20 (Experienced Music).  If you are in Grade 10 and did not take music in Grade 9, the course is AMUI20 (Beginner Music).  If you did not take Grade 9 Music but already have experience on a concert band instrument, please speak with your guidance counsellor about your options.

    Are there any extra curricular bands I could play in?

  • Yes! The Music department has two extra curricular bands: concert band and jazz band. Both bands rehearse once a week for an hour after school. Listen for an announcement from Ms. Reynolds about how to sign up in early September. The school also has a rock band that meets at lunch. See Mr. Chasmer for details about rock band.

     

    Does it cost anything to take music?

  • No! You are welcome to borrow one of the instruments we have here at BDHS in our inventory. For some instruments, there is the option to purchase your own mouthpiece and reeds on School Cash Online, but it is not required. Please speak to Ms. Reynolds for more information about this.

     

    Will I be sharing my instrument with someone else?

  • While we try to ensure each student has their own instrument, there is the possibility that an instrument could be shared with one other person in another class or in one of the extra curricular bands. Even if your instrument may be shared, mouthpieces are not. Students currently enrolled in class have priority for borrowing instruments to take home to practice.

     

    Can I rent my own instrument?

  • Yes! If you are interested in renting your own instrument, we recommend Cosmo Music, who have options for renting per semester or for the year. Cosmo has competitive pricing and will deliver your rented instrument directly to BDHS for you to pick up.

     

    Will we go on field trips?

  • Yes! Every year there are various opportunities to perform in the community, including music festivals and elementary school performances. We also will visit the Toronto Symphony Orchestra to watch a professional group in action. There is an extra cost for TSO field trips. See Ms. Reynolds for details on when this will happen and how much it will cost per person.