Grade 9 Green Concert Band
The Grade 9 Green Concert band is a performance-based, yearlong instrumental music elective course open to any student with previous experience on brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Students learn music primarily through rehearsal and performance of band repertoire ranging from an intermediate to medium-advanced level.
Grade 9 Band members are eligible to join the Green Jazz Band (see below for details). Advanced students may be invited to participate in the Gold Symphonic Band, Gold Jazz Band, or Green to Gold Jazz Band. The Grade 9 Band participates in one to two overnight trips per year and performs several times per year including the Lethbridge Music Festival, Provincial Music Festival in Red Deer and four evening concerts.
Gold Symphonic Band 10/20/30
The Gold Symphonic Band is performance-based, yearlong instrumental music elective course open to any student with previous extensive experience on brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Students learn music primarily through rehearsal and performance of band repertoire ranging from a medium-advanced to advanced level. Gold Symphonic Band is a full-year 5-credit class.
To accommodate the scheduling needs of students, students are able to enroll in one of two Gold Band class times: during the school day in Period 4 (Gold Band) or after school on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 4:45 pm (Gold Ensemble). Both classes, the Gold Band and Gold Ensembles, combine together to create the Gold Symphonic Band for rehearsals leading up to and including all performances. The Gold Symphonic Band tours annually and recent tours have included Los Angeles, New Brunswick, Cuba, Vancouver/Whistler, Sun Peaks, and Seattle. The Gold Symphonic Band also participates in two half-day retreats per year on campus.
Gold Jazz Band
The Gold Jazz Band is an auditioned, five credit course that meets Tuesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. and Fridays after school until 2:15 p.m. Grade 10, 11, and 12 students in Gold Jazz Band receive five credits per year in Music 15/25/35. Enrollment in Grade 9 Green Band or Gold Symphonic Band is a co-requisite. Auditions for available openings take place in May or June. The Gold Jazz Band has an annual fall and spring retreat and accompanies the Gold Concert Band on spring tours. The Gold Jazz Band has an extensive performing schedule every year, which includes more than a dozen performances throughout the year.
Green to Gold Jazz Band
The Green to Gold Jazz Band is a 3-credit course that meets after school on Mondays. Students earn Instrumental Jazz 15/25/35 credits each year for their participation (except those already enrolled in Gold Jazz Band). This is a non-audition ensemble, open to all instrumental music students. Enrollment in Grade 9 Green Band, Gold Symphonic Band, Guitar 9, or Rock & Roll 10/20/30 is required as a co-requisite. This ensemble is a great introduction Whether you're new to jazz or looking to expand your musical experience, Green to Gold Jazz Band offers an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in a fun and collaborative setting.
Guitar 9
Discover the world of guitar in this hands-on course designed for all skill levels. Students will develop essential techniques, learn to read music and tablature, and explore a variety of musical styles. This course focuses on acoustic guitar, with skills that are easily transferable to electric guitar. Students must provide their own acoustic guitar through purchase or private rental. As performance is a key part of musical growth, students must be comfortable performing for each other and in public settings. Guitar 9 offers a dynamic and engaging experience for all aspiring musicians.
Guitar 10/20/30
A sequential series of 5-credit courses designed for students with any level of guitar experience. Students must purchase or rent privately their own guitars. This course is primarily for acoustic guitar, but many units may involve learning and playing electric guitar and/or bass. The course topics include chording, chord picking, melody reading/picking, tablature, ensembles, music-reading, history of rock and roll, research on famous guitarists, power chords, blues, soloing, and more.
Rock & Roll 10/20/30
This hands-on course explores the core instruments of rock music: guitar, bass, drums, vocals, with opportunities on piano and auxiliary percussion. Students develop fundamental skills on each instrument, perform in public concerts, and gain experience in band collaboration, stage presence, and rehearsal techniques with increasing depth at the 20 & 30 levels. The course culminates in a professional recording session at the University of Lethbridge, providing a real-world studio experience. Students will also have several opportunities for public performances as the semester progresses. Students must provide their own guitars for this course.
If you have any questions about the LCI Band Program, please feel free to contact Mr. Samuel Yamamoto by phone at 403-328-9606 Extension 24039 or by email at samuel.yamamoto@lethsd.ab.ca