Band Program Overview

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The Music Program at Central Memorial High School has a rich history as one of the longest running music programs in Alberta. Central Memorial ensembles are recognized worldwide at festivals and contests, maintaining a world class standard of excellence.  Students who study a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument will explore many styles of music, and make meaningful connections between technique and artistry through performing and studying with renowned artists in their discipline. Performance ensembles, such as the PVA Wind Ensemble (PVAWE), Concert Band, and M@C Jazz Ensemble, perform locally, regionally, and when possible, internationally throughout the school year. All students are welcome to take part in the music program to join us in music making. PVA Music offers exciting and unique opportunities and access to world-class artists that further their musical experience.  All band ensembles are full-year, five-credit courses.

The PVA Music Program is where students learn to be artists, exploring musical literacy and expression through unique programming that is not found elsewhere in the city. The program focuses on the development of the individual musician, providing our students with the abilities, confidence, and opportunities to go wherever their musical journey takes them, for life.

PVA Band students have daily classes as a Wind Ensemble where they learn and reinforce musical development through technique and repertoire. This class includes all PVA auditioned band students in Grades 10-12, where they will find an environment of positive mentorship with like-minded and dedicated musicians. The PVA Band class is timetabled at the same time as PVA Vocal and PVA Strings to provide unique opportunities for students to collaborate on solo and chamber music performance, develop musical fluency literacy and creativity, and dive deep into their personal musical development.

The Concert Band has represented Central Memorial with performances at Provincial, National, and International festivals with cutting edge, exciting repertoire. All wind and percussion students can take part in this ensemble, with the co-requisite Music 10 course in the first semester of Grade 10.  Students are welcome to join this intermediate level ensemble and experience a high-caliber program that will challenge them throughout the year.

M@C Jazz Ensemble is an exceptional ensemble with traditional “Big Band” instrumentation. Many of western Canada’s finest jazz musicians are graduates of this program. This ensemble performs at a variety of functions during the school year, and will take an active part in Calgary’s Jazz community. Enrolment is open to all students by audition during the first week of the fall term.

Beginner Band is a new opportunity for students who have not had the opportunity to take a band class in Junior High or Middle school, and would like to learn a wind instrument for the first time. This class meets all year outside of the timetable.

Instrumental students may have the opportunity to perform with other PVA disciplines throughout the year.  They are strongly encouraged to enhance their musical development through private instruction, which is offered for an additional fee in partnership with Mount Royal Conservatory’s Advanced Performance Program and Chinook School of Music’s private lesson program.