Future Students

Welcome!  We’re glad you’re considering studying music at Eastview.  Information specific to new students can be found below, but please browse our full website. Don’t miss our media page, where you’ll find several audio and video clips of us in performance.

Sections

Why Choose Music?

  • A unique experience – we’re home to the largest vocal music program and the only string orchestra program in Simcoe County. Both our choirs and orchestras rank highly at regional and national level competitions.
  • Lots of options – whether you’re a beginner or experienced, we have something for you!
  • Make strong social connections – many of our students find that their best friends from high school end up being their music peers. With opportunities to interact in class, in ensembles, and on trips, you will become part of a strong social group.
  • Travel – Trip destinations in recent years have included Boston, New York City, and Disney. We also have travel opportunities closer to home.

For lots more reasons, see this video of Walter Blanding of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, who explains how a music education can be beneficial and enriching to all aspects of our daily lives.

Grade Nine Course Options

Incoming grade nines have four course options to choose from. It is possible to take both vocal music and one instrumental music course.

  • AMV 1O – Grade 9 Vocal Music, Open
    This course is appropriate for beginning and experienced grade nine students, and for grade 10 students who have not yet taken an Eastview music course.  Students are introduced to vocal technique, choral repertoire, music theory, keyboard and musical analysis.
  • AMO 1O – Inexperienced woodwind, brass and percussion
    Students will learn to play flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, or percussion (instruments are supplied). Students learn to read music on their chosen instrument as well as proper breath support, posture, articulation and tone production. The basics of music theory, analysis, composition and ear training are also introduced.
  • AMS 1O –  Inexperienced strings
    Students will learn to play violin, viola, cello, or double bass (instruments are supplied). Students learn to read music on their chosen instrument as well as proper posture, position, bowing, and tone production. The basics of music theory, analysis, composition, and ear training are also introduced.
  • AME 1O – Experienced strings, winds, brass and percussion
    This course is appropriate for experienced grade nine students who already play a string (violin, viola, cello, double bass), woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon) or brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba) instrument (instruments are supplied).  Students will continue to develop tone production, articulation, technical ability, and reading skills on their chosen instrument. Music theory, analysis, composition, and ear training will be covered at the introductory level.  (Note: Students who already play non-orchestral instruments such as piano, guitar, or drums should choose AMO1O or AMS1O.)

Opportunities for Grade Nines

In addition to the music classes, you will have the option of being a member of up to two music ensembles in grade nine:

  • The Eastview Concert Choir – This has choir 60-80 members, and is open to all students. We encourage both vocal and instrumental grade nine students to participate in the concert choir, as it improves general musicianship.
  • The Eastview Orchestra – This is a group of about 40 students who are mostly in grades 10-12, but grade nines with previous experience may also have a chance to join.

Grade Nine Orientation Retreat

To succeed in either of the above ensembles, students must have at least some basic musical foundations.  Since many students joining us will be coming in with little or no musical experience, we have prepared an event that will help develop those skills, while also providing opportunities for teambuilding and creating new social connections.  In October, grade nine students are invited to take part in a music retreat and orientation at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre, located near Alliston.  For full details about the retreat are provided in September, and forms and payment are due shortly thereafter.

Performances

The choir and orchestra perform approximately 3-5 times per year, including a full departmental Christmas Concert at Collier Street United Church. Students who take a music course but are not in any ensembles will generally have one opportunity to perform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Eastview provide instruments?
Yes. You will have an instrument loaned to you free of charge if you are taking a class or are in an ensemble that requires it. Students may be required to purchase a mouthpiece. If you have your own instrument, you are welcome to use it.

Will I get my first instrument choice?
We do our best to accommodate first choices, but instrument assignments are also dependent on availability of the instruments and the need to create balanced ensembles.

I already play an instrument. Can I start learning a different one?
Yes! Often students who already play an instrument will play it in the orchestra, while using class time to learn a new instrument.

Can I change instruments, or learn a second instrument during my time at Eastview?
Yes. Students are encouraged to broaden their musical skills. Instrument choice is subject to availability.

What do I choose if I play drums?
You should choose AMO 1O – Inexperienced woodwind, brass and percussion. Since percussion is a popular choice, it cannot always be accommodated.

Do you offer guitar courses?
We offer classical guitar courses starting in grade ten. Students interested in taking guitar are encouraged to take vocal or instrumental music in grade nine to develop a solid musical foundation for the guitar courses.

What if I’m a piano player?
We don’t have courses that teach piano specifically, although all vocal music students do learn at least basic keyboard skills.  Students working at a Grade 8 RCM level or higher are often invited to be accompanists for our choirs. Students who accompany can earn volunteer hours towards their graduation for the time they devote to this. Often piano players find that our vocal music program complements their piano skills nicely, as both require strong reading and ear training skills for success.

I have a question that isn’t answered here.
Feel free to contact us! Contact information can be found here.