Music Department

The music program at Huron Heights Secondary School has a long and proud history. Along with the wide array of performance opportunities offered in vocal and instrumental ensembles and musical theatre, Huron’s music department is well equipped to meet the needs of students in composition, listening, music history, theory, and electronic music. Our tradition of excellence results from the dedication of our students and staff and their commitment to achieving the highest possible standards. With the start of another school year comes the chance to renew our commitment and strive to equal or surpass what we have accomplished in the past. If you are new to Huron, we welcome you to the Music Department. If you are returning . . . welcome back!

The Department

We are fortunate at Huron to have three full-time music teachers, Mr. Slonetsky, the department head, Mr. Goddard and Mrs. Charters, and four part-time music teachers, Ms. Park, Mr. Halfin, Mr. Lowry, and Ms. Cilic. Although students are assigned to specific music classes with a particular teacher, we often take advantage of team-teaching arrangements in order to draw on the resources of the other members of the department. This allows us to work with individuals or small groups, to offer remedial or enrichment instruction, and to modify the program to meet the needs of individual students.

Performing Ensembles

We endeavor to provide every student, regardless of ability, the opportunity to perform in a choir or band at his/her own level. While it is not compulsory for a student to perform in a large ensemble, it is strongly recommended as the best means of gaining performance experience and earning that portion of marks allotted to performance. Alternative means to achieve performance marks are provided for those students who choose not to perform in a large ensemble.

By examining the attached rehearsal schedule, you will see that a keen, energetic music student could easily fill most of their free time with various music activities. While we encourage students to take advantage of as many of the musical opportunities we offer as possible, we ask that students consider their membership in these ensembles carefully. Try to find a balance between the expectations and demands of each ensemble, school work, other school activities, and responsibilities and commitments outside of school.

Homework “practice makes perfect”

In order to achieve the maximum benefit from a program such as we have at Huron, students must practice outside of class at least two hours per week. Band and choir rehearsals certainly contribute to musical development, but individual rehearsal is indispensable.

Equipment

The Music Department provides an instrument for every instrumental band student. Guitarists are to supply their own instrument. Although we attempt to provide each student with the best instrument available, many students are still required to share an instrument with one or two others. This necessitates cooperation and sometimes pre-arrangement of practice times. Some students elect to purchase or rent an instrument of their own. Among the advantages to this are the elimination of any instrument sharing and the guaranteed availability of your instrument for practice. The department does have a few better quality flutes, clarinets, trumpets, and trombones available for rental by individual students at a cost of $80 per school year. If you are interested in this, please see a teacher for a rental form. We can arrange other instrument rentals and purchases through our suppliers. Please contact us at the school if you have any questions regarding instruments. Student owned or rented instruments may be stored in the music room in specified areas only. The Music Department does not take responsibility for these instruments.
Instruments are available for sign out on a nightly basis, once a signed overnight loan form is returned to the music department office (forms available from your teacher). Students who sign out an instrument must fill in a sign out card and return the instrument to room 203 prior to first period on the next school day. Signing out an instrument constitutes accepting responsibility for that instrument while it is in your care. Loss or damage due to carelessness is the responsibility of the student. If you find that the instrument you have been assigned is missing or damaged, report it to your teacher immediately.

Occasionally instruments require repair. If you should have a problem with a school-owned instrument, report the problem to a music teacher. Your music teacher will assign you to another instrument until your instrument is repaired.

Concert Dress

All of our groups (except Wind Ensemble, After Hours, and C’est Jazz) use a common uniform which requires that each member have: a Band Sweater, a white shirt, black slacks or skirt, black socks or nylons, and any dark shoes other than running shoes. We will arrange for the purchase of sweaters at a cost of $30.00 per sweater for those who wish to buy them through us. (form available from music teachers). The Senior Band also has a blazer and the Wind Ensemble men have a tuxedo that is issued to each member upon payment of a $6.00 maintenance fee and the return of a completed loan form.

The Important Role of the Parent/Guardian

Your child’s success in learning to play an instrument or sing depends a great deal on you. Your involvement is vital to your child’s attitude and progress. Regardless of your own musical background, you will derive great satisfaction and enjoyment from following your child’s progress. Consider these ways you can help:

• be generous in your praise and encouragement.
• take a positive attitude toward your child’s efforts.
• show an interest in your child’s practice and study, and show your support by attending all performances in which your child is involved.
• set aside a regular time and place in your home for practice. Arrange the practice schedule free from interruptions by TV, brothers and sisters.
• provide your child with a music stand to promote good posture and proper breath control. Wire music stands are available at The Arts Music Store (approximately $20.00).
• help your child to remember his/her instrument and music on lesson days and insist upon faithful attendance at rehearsals and concerts.

Private Lessons

Private music instruction can be a wonderful supplement to what we do at Huron. If a sufficient number of students demonstrate interest in taking private lessons on a given instrument we are often able to arrange for an instructor to travel to Huron (from Toronto and elsewhere) and teach out of our facility. If you are interested in private lessons please contact Mr. Slonetsky in Rm. 203. Cost for these lessons vary and are borne by the individual students.

Performances

While performance schedules will vary from group to group, there are some that are common to all. These performances should be considered part of your course and are not to be missed under normal circumstances.

Keep these dates free!!!

Christmas Concerts
December 18 & 19, 2007
Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts

Finalé 2008
May 21 & 22, 2008
Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts

Other performance opportunities that many groups take part in but have not been assigned specific dates are as follows: Feeder School Concerts, local seniors residences, Kiwanis Music Festival, Music Alive, Ontario Vocal Festival, Southern Ontario Band Festival

Field Trips

Throughout the year field trips will be organized to enrich the musical experiences for our music students. These are optional events that we feel represent good value and learning potential.

Travel

Each year the Music Department sponsors a number of excursions and trips to allow music students to experience the culture and customs of other parts of Canada and other lands. Past groups have visited Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, New York, Calgary, Vancouver and Nova Scotia. This spring the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Choir will be participating in an exchange with Rye High School from Rye, New York.

Music Camps Weekends at Pioneer Lodge

The Music Department holds two weekend camps at Pioneer Lodge (near Huntsville) each year. In the past, these intensive rehearsal weekends have been central to the development of our music program. Students receive specialized instruction on most instruments and voice from university music students and professional teachers. Cost for these weekends include meals, accommodation, transportation, instruction, and FUN!

Fall Camp
October 13-15, 2007
Senior Band, Wind Ensemble
$200.00

Winter Camp
February 2-4, 2008
Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Junior Band, Intermediate Band, After Hours, C’est Jazz
$200.00

last updated: 2009-10-20