MCHS has supported music education through uninterrupted delivery of both choir and instrumental classes for decades.  We are proud of the legacy of high quality music making in our school community, and our provincially recognized choirs. In May, 2018, MCHS Choirs won first place at the Alberta Music Festival, out of dozens of participating schools across the province.  The MCHS Music Department offers a closely connected community of fellow student-musicians, as well as the pursuit of excellence through unique opportunities for growth and performance.

Students in all MCHS Music Classes are expected to attend their scheduled classes, in addition to a small handful of out-of-timetable events such as; dress rehearsals, concert performances, as well as competitive festivals in the spring.  Any cultural excursions (such as symphony concerts or musicals) offered throughout the year, as well as Spring Tour, are entirely optional.

All music classes are run simultaneously in one block of the timetable.  Cross-grading  allows students to experience relationships in a wider circle, find their fit with learners at similar levels and experiences, and develop greater leadership skills. 

Course List

The following Music courses are available at MCHS. Click on the name of the course to read its description.

Choral Music 10-20-30

Prerequisite: None
Credits: 5 per course level

Choral Music is a full-year (or two-quarter) course offered to all students who enjoy music and wish to become better singers. Through high quality choral repertoire, this course allows students to develop their confidence, vocal technique and production, general musicianship, as well as solo and ensemble work. No previous choir experience is required.

This is a participation-based course, as students sing for the majority of every class, put on several performances throughout the term, and will have annual opportunities to participate in music festivals and tours.

Choral Music is held in one timetable block for students at all three levels. Students earn credits based on the number of years they have been enrolled in the Choral Music stream - 10-level credits for their first year in the program, 20-level for their second year, and 30-level for their third year.  

Choir 15-25-35 (Vocal Ensemble)

Prerequisite: Enrolment in Choir 10-20-30; successful audition
Credits: 3 or 5 per course level

Vocal Ensemble is a select-voice, performance-oriented program which introduces new and more complex musical material. Vocal Ensemble projects may include mixed-voice or equal-voice ensembles, show choir, chamber groups and more. Only students enrolled in Choral Music 10, 20, or 30 are eligible to audition for Vocal Ensemble.

Vocal Ensemble is held in one timetable block for students at all three levels. Students earn credits based on the number of years they have been enrolled in the Choir 15-25-35 stream - 10-level credits for their first year in the program, 20-level for their second year, and 30-level for their third year. 

General Music 10-20-30

Prerequisite: None
Credits: 5 per course level

General Music is a sequence of courses for students who are interested in a broad spectrum of musical experiences within a non performance-based environment.  No foundational skills in instrument or voice are required to enroll in this course, although hands-on playing and practical skill development is a course requirement. 

General Music is offered for 5 credits, with two required elements; theory, and music making, as well as elective components to be selected from the following; composition, history of western music, music and technology, world music, careers in music, jazz appreciation, and popular music. 

This course will provide both individual and group music-making opportunities, and provides performance opportunities, though performing is not mandatory.