Richmond Hill High School offers a wide variety of courses to satisfy the diverse needs
of all music students from beginning instrumentalists in Grade 9 through to experienced
performers in Grade 12. We also offer courses in vocal music.
Please see below for courses in different grades:
Grade 9
Richmond Hill High School’s Grade 9 students are able to take the following music courses:
AMI1O – Experienced Band
This course is for students who have experience on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at the elementary school level or through private lessons. Students will continue on the instrument they have experience with. They will increase their existing performance skills as well as gain the theoretical knowledge they need to improve as musicians. The bulk of class time is spent playing. When taking this course, students are eligible to play in the Grade 9 Concert Band.
AMI1O4 – Beginners Band
This course is for students who have no experience on a band instrument or would like to switch instruments from the one they played at elementary school. Students go right back to the basics on their newly chosen instrument. Percussionists / drummers are not started at this level. Students who show outstanding progress on their instrument may be allowed to play drums later in the course.
AMV1O – Vocal Music
This course is for students who are interested in singing and improving their voice skills. This course includes the performance of music in choirs, small groups and as a soloist. No background is required for this course.
Grade 10
Students in Grade 10 can take advantage of the following courses:
AMI2O – Band
This is the continuation of AMI1O and AMI1O4. Players continue to develop their musical skills through scales, studies, listening, theory and performance of repertoire. All students must play in the Grade 10 Silver Band which rehearses on Friday mornings at 7:45 from late September to mid May.
AMV2O – Vocal Music
This is the continuation of AMV1O. Vocalists continue to develop their musical skills as they did in Grade 9.
AMG2O – Beginning Guitar
This is a course for students who wish to learn to play guitar but have never had any previous experience. Students will learn to read music, guitar tablature and chords. They will also study the history of the instrument and listen to many of the greatest guitar players of past and present.
Grade 11
Students in Grade 11, who have likely already taken music courses in earlier years, can enroll in the following:
AMI3M – Band
This course continues from AMI20 and has the players developing and refining their musicianship through technique, studies, listening, history and technology. It is a co-requisite with AMR3M.
AMR3M – Repertoire (instrumental)
This is an ensemble performance course also know as Gold Band. The students develop their skills through the rehearsal and performance of a variety of musical styles. It is a co-requisite with AMI3M. Classes take place on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 and Thursday mornings from 7:45 – 8:45.
AMV3M – Vocal Music
This course follows AMV2O and has the students continuing to refine their skills through solo singing, small ensembles and full choir in numerous musical styles. The students also do written theoretical work and listening.
Grade 12
Students in Grade 12, who have considerable experience and skill, are able to take advantage of the following courses:
AMI4M – Band
This is the culminating course of the Music program. Students continue to refine their musicianship through playing, listening, learning music history and using technology. It is co-requisite with AMR4M.
AMR4M – Repertoire (instrumental)
This is an ensemble performance course also know as Gold Band. The students develop their skills through the rehearsal and performance of a variety of musical styles. It is a co-requisite with AMI4M. Classes take place on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 and Thursday mornings from 7:45 – 8:45.
AMV4M – Vocal Music
This is the culminating course of the vocal program. Students continue to improve their musicianship through performances in ensembles of various sizes and as soloists. Vocal music history and great artists are also studied.