Dance Companies: Grades 7–12

The Dance Company is an opportunity for students who want to be involved in the Branksome Arts community and take part in dance in a more serious way. There are three levels of students to maximize student comfort and learning. Students will learn contemporary repertoire, as well as a range of performance styles including, but not limited to: jazz, lyrical, hip hop, Afro-fusion, ballet and modern. Students will perform at school and community events. 

Students will be selected through an audition process and are committed to the Dance Company for the entire school year. Dance teachers will assign students to ensembles based on skill level.

The days and times of rehearsals will be shared in September. Depending on the level, students can expect to be called to one to three rehearsals per week.

Students involved in the companies will have the opportunity to perform at CIS Dance Festival in February, including Branksome Hall’s iCAST opening performance of Nocturne in the fall and our much-loved Dance Showcase in the spring.

Branksome Hall has many music ensembles and activities for students of all ages and levels of expertise. The ensembles listed below have run in the past and will be adapted to meet students’ needs during the school year.

Concert Choir: Grades 7–12

Concert Choir is a group of semi-experienced singers who enjoy singing various styles of music from serious choral repertoire to fun choral arrangements of popular music. It is open to anyone who loves to sing or wants to gain more experience with choral music. While the aim is enjoyment in rehearsal and performance across different events and platforms, all participants should be committed to the choir for the entire school year. Rehearsal times will be after school from 3:45–5:15 p.m. on Mondays.

String Orchestra: Grades 7–12

Orchestra is open to all string players with more than one year of experience. This is an active ensemble, performing at Spring Concerts, Carol Service, school Assemblies and outside events during the year. Rehearsal times will be after school from 3:45–5:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

Chamber Strings: Grades 7–12

This ensemble consists of a group of advanced string players performing a diverse repertoire. Students are highly committed, and regular individual practise is expected. Rehearsal times will be after school from 5:00–6:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

Concert Band: Grades 7–12

This ensemble is open to all wind, brass and percussion players in Grades 7–12 who have at least one year of playing experience. This ensemble rehearses a wide variety of music from concert band standards to pop songs. Concert Band performs at school concerts and events throughout the year. Rehearsal times will be after school from 3:45–5:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

Jazz Band: Grades 9–12

Stage Band performs jazz, big band and popular selections at various Assemblies, concerts and events throughout the year. Rehearsal times will be after school from 3:45–5:15 p.m. on Mondays.

iCAST Ensemble: Grades 9–12

In collaboration with other arts students and Red Sky Performance, students will create and perform the musical score for the devised performance piece to open the Karen L. Jurjevich Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST).