Music teaches transferable life skills that contribute to success in all areas of academics and life. Colleges and universities recognize music as part of a well-rounded education.
Taking a music course is a great way to make friends and be part of the AMAC community. It is also an opportunity to participate in unique experiences that will enhance your overall high school experience.
When taking music at Alexander Mackenzie HS, you will:
- Become an excellent musician;
- Have a chance to travel with one of our Tour Bands, Choirs, or Orchestras to other countries and cities;
- Have the opportunity to perform at many concerts throughout the community and at school;
- Take part in retreats, movie nights, barbecues, Music dances, and other exciting social events;
- Have the opportunity to earn extra credits by participating in after school rehearsals;
- Have the opportunity to join our Music Council representing music students in the school; and
- Be part of a successful music department that is also part of the YRDSB Arts Program.
Your Future in Mackenzie Music
There are three areas of music available for grade nine students to specialize in. Many students are involved in two or even three areas.
Instrumental Music
Grade 9 Instrumental Music students can choose between beginner band (AMI1O2) and advanced band (AMI1O1). Any student planning to continue on the same instrument they played in Grade 8 should choose advanced band. No experience is needed to enter Instrumental Music at the beginner level (AMI1O2).
Strings
The Strings program consists of violin, viola, cello, and bass. Grade 9 Strings Music students can choose between beginner strings (AMS1O2) and advanced strings (AMS1O1). Any student with previous strings experience should choose advanced strings.
Vocal Music
Vocal music begins in Grade 9 and continues through to Grade 12. In this course, students will learn musicianship skills and techniques to develop their voices and become great singers. No prior experience is needed to enter Vocal Music at the Grade 9 level (AMV101).
Ensembles
Students can participate in many different bands, orchestras, and choirs based on experience and grade.
Bands
This ensemble is comprised of beginner and advanced grade nines, as well as beginners from any grade.
This ensemble is also known as the Grade 10 Band, comprised of grade 10 students and advanced grade nine instrumentalists.
The Symphonic Band is made up of grade 10, 11 and 12 students who are experienced in playing their instrument. In addition to the school concerts, this ensemble participates in music festivals each year.
This is Alexander Mackenzie High School's show band and often gets invited to play at community events. The most common pieces for this band to play are jazz, funk, and Latin and everyone has a great time playing them. This is the band where you can let loose - the pieces are fun to play, and are often loud and fast with catchy rhythms that will be stuck in your head forever.
Strings
The string orchestra is made up of experienced players of the violin, viola, cello, and string bass.
The full orchestra is made up students from the string orchestra as well as brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments players.
The beginner string ensemble is made up of violin, viola, cello, and string bass players who are enrolled in a beginner strings course.
Vocal
This choir is open to students in all grades. All students in vocal repertoire are part of this choir as well as at least one additional ensemble. The Mackenzie Singers sing various styles of pieces including choral repertoire, songs from musicals, popular songs, and all cultures of music.
This smaller ensemble performs SSA (Soprano/Alto) choral arrangements.
The Chamber Choir is an auditioned group of vocalists who perform advanced SSATTB repertoire which is frequently a cappella. They participate in festivals each year in addition to school concerts.
This is a smaller auditioned group who perform jazz, Latin, and pop music. Vocalists and instrumentalists are involved in this ensemble.
This vocal ensemble performs popular and music theatre repertoire along with choreography.
Each year students in the grade 10, 11, and 12 musical theatre courses put on a full musical production in December. Grade 9 students can often audition for small roles or chorus in September as an extra-curricular. Instrumental students are selected to perform in the pit orchestra.
Teachers:
- M. Alexander-Lui - Department Head
- C. Alexander
- K. Vuong