Musical Groups
General Information
Centennial’s Music Department offers a wide variety of ensembles for students in all grades and levels of ability. Whether you’re an instrumentalist or vocalist, we encourage you to join one or more of our extra-curricular groups. Annual events include a Winter and Spring Concert, Grandparents Tea, school and public performances.
Aside from the main groups, which usually run all year long, there are other groups offered whenever there is enough student interest to do so. Some are created and run by students, while others are teacher led. Some run all year, some for one semester, and some are formed for special performances only. These include: combos, Music Council, Show Band, and Songwriting Club.
Concert Band
This is the type of band that most high schools have, consisting of brass, woodwinds and percussion instruments. This group is open to players of all ages with at least one semester of playing experience. This ensemble explores a variety of concert band repertoire and is involved with various concerts, school and public performances and festivals. The Concert Band is offered each year. Rehearsals are once a week, plus occasional sectional work.
Cats Bands
Centennial is among the only schools in Ontario to have this unique band. A rhythm section, horn section, and vocal section perform repertoire of popular music that includes jazz, blues, R&B, rock, pop, and world ethnic. The band is open to students of all ages, based on level of ability (i.e. passing an audition). The Cats Band is offered each year. Rehearsals are once a week, plus occasional sectional work.
Combos
Small vocal and/or instrumental combos are made up of more experienced performers. These include guitar ensemble, sax ensemble, jazz combo, as well as ensembles for woodwind, brass or percussion.
Vocal Ensemble
This ensemble is open to all students who enjoy singing at any level. The group explores a wide variety of music and performs at the school, in the community, and at various festivals. No prior experience is required other than a keen desire to sing! In alternating years, the focus of the Vocal Ensemble becomes the musical.