Music

Modern Band is a full-year, hands-on course and the only program of its kind in the North Bay. Designed for experienced instrumentalists and vocalists, students dive into the excitement of performing in a real band, exploring styles from pop and rock to country. With regular rehearsals and multiple performance opportunities throughout the year, students experience the thrill of live music-making firsthand.

Beyond performance, students build essential skills in music theory, improvisation, ear training, and vocal harmony. They also get to work with state-of-the-art instruments—including electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, drums—alongside an electronic synthesizer lab and a full audio/recording setup with PA system, microphones, and digital audio workstations. Modern Band isn’t just a class—it’s an immersive, hands-on musical experience.

Introduction to Music invites students to explore the world of music through both active listening and hands-on creation. Students gain practical experience with guitar, keyboard, drums, and even the art of rapping and hip-hop beat-making.

The course covers the fundamental elements of music—form, rhythm, harmony, melody, and texture—while examining a wide range of styles, including Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country, Electronic, World, and Popular music. Students study key composers and performers in each style, building a deeper understanding of music they already know and discovering new sounds and genres along the way.