The Unionville High School Music department is committed to the pursuit of excellence in the delivery of a performance/experiential based program that continues to play an important role in the school and community.
Pursuing a career in music is not an expectation, but interested students will gain the knowledge, experience and confidence to successfully pursue music in post secondary studies.
The Music Program focuses on developing the skills necessary for successful musical expression. This will include: solo and small ensemble repertoire with assistance from guest artists/teachers; stage deportment, interpretation and technique. Musicianship and critical listening skills will be enhanced through study of: music history, listening, concert reviews, ear-training, sight singing and keyboard harmony. All students will participate in a large ensemble (orchestra, band, or choir). Pianists will develop accompanying skills. As students advance, there will be more opportunities for specialized study of jazz, musical theatre, teaching, arranging, composition, conducting and performance of standard symphonic and chamber repertoire. The cost of field trips and special items are the responsibility of the student.
Why Unionville High School?
Arts Unionville musicians;
- Become well-rounded, generous, outward looking, creative, empathetic, passionate, collaborative, successful citizens;
- Are leaders in the school and beyond both academically and socially;
- Develop skills including organization, responsibility, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, self confidence, creativity; and
- Many graduates Pursue degrees in pre-med, engineering, sciences and business.
Atmosphere
- Built on High Standards & Tradition of Excellence
- Safe, welcoming and inclusive community
- Academic excellence
- Creativity & Leadership
Paradigm Shift Toward STEM
- As our community sees an increase in the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics this increases the importance of the arts
- The arts (and specifically music) is the tool that can connect, develop and apply all of the concepts and skills required in an increasingly “academic” world
Academic Excellence
Unionville High School has a long-standing tradition of leading academic excellence in all subjects. Including:
- OSSLT
- EQAO Math
- Fraser Report
- UHS STEM Program
Facilities
- 4 large music rooms
- 5 practice rooms - each with 1 or 2 pianos
- 5 grand pianos (1 for atrium concerts)
- Full concert percussion
Performing Ensembles
- Grade 9 Concert Band
- Grade 10 Symphonic Band
- Wind Ensemble
- Chamber Winds
- Concert Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Arts Unionville String Orchestra
- UHS Symphony Orchestra
- Jazz Ensembles (choirs and bands)
- Guitar Ensemble
- SHOWTIME – Musical Theatre
- Countless Chamber Ensembles
Travel
We are regularly invited to perform at other festivals around the world
- 2008 – Canadian Salute to the Beijing Olympic Summer Games in a 10 day trip to Beijing and Shanghai, China
- 2011 – performance tour of Italy including Rome on Easter Sunday
- 2014 - MusicFest Nationals in Richmond/Vancouver, BC
- 2016 – Tour to Vienna, Salzburg and Prague
- 2019 – Tour to Germany
Post Secondary Studies in Music
- Many Arts Unionville Music graduates go on to music degrees in the major music schools across Canada and the USA
- 100% acceptance due to experience, audition preparation, and high academic standing
Program Specifics
Instruments
- Winds/Percussion - Band Instruments
- Percussion majors need to demonstrate experience on snare dum and mallet instruments
- Vocal
- String - violin, viola, cello, bass
- Piano
Music Courses
- 2 Arts Unionville Music credits a year in Grades 9 - 12 = 8 credits. (students are encouraged to take core music courses as well)
- Performance - development of individual technique to be applied to solo, small and large ensemble performance opportunities throughout the year
- Musicianship - History, Theory, Listening, Dictation
Application Process
- There are no minimum requirements for admission to Arts Unionville
- Private lessons are not a requirement for enrolment in Arts Unionville
- Students may apply to 2 disciplines ($20 fee per application). If accepted to both, they must pick one at their AU Major.
Workshop
- Group warm up and ensemble time – Warm up, tune, in our music rooms with our teachers
- Individual Performance and Discussion – 15 to 20 minutes to play the music you have prepared and to talk about Music. What role does music play in your life
E-Portfolio
- If an applicant is not able to make the workshop time at UHS, please contact us so we can make alternate arrangements
- An E-portfolio is an option if necessary. Applicants will submit videos of their performance requirements and we will arrange for a virtual meeting time to discuss the role of music in your life
Fees
- Arts Unionville students pay a $150 fee per year to be utilized for program enhancements including guest artists, field trips and capital expenditures
- Recent Guest artists include – Erika Raum, Jamie Parker, James Campbell, Tracy Michailidis, Jacqueline Teh, Anya Alexeyev, EKR Hammell, Angela Park, and The Butter Quartet