UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Carleton Place High School Strikes a different Chord with Music Program

A fresh sound is emerging from the music program at Carleton Place High School (CPHS) thanks to a shift from the traditional performance models to a student-driven, project-based learning approach that reflects today's creative industries.

The Music and Creating Program is designed to provide Grade 10 to 12 students with inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities. The course emphasizes student learning through creation, collaboration, and performance, and aims to make music accessible to all learners regardless of background, skill level, or previous musical experience.

"Music in high school has to adapt," said CPHS Music and Drama Teacher Benjamin Russell. "A lot of the students want to play more modern music, which wouldn't happen in a traditional big band setting, so it allows these kids to become involved."

With a shift in the program's tune, a new creative space was needed. Cave Studios was established as a dedicated learning area within the school cafeteria, utilizing an existing performance stage. The space allows for the setup of instruments such as keyboards, drums, and mixing boards. Cave Studios has been able to purchase up-to-date audio and editing equipment, giving students the opportunity to further develop their musical craft.

For Grade 11 student Gavin Wark, this musical space is exactly what he needed.

"Mr. Russell mentioned an alternative program like band for credit, because a lot of us enjoyed playing music and wanted to do it as an extracurricular," Wark said. "I didn't want to play the trumpet and read music. I enjoy playing classic rock with a bit higher energy."

"He thought he could get a program going that would be the same credit, to learn about recording and live sound and playing as a band and doing covers, and we all thought that sounded great," Wark added.

The program has incorporated Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts & Culture requirements, and regularly welcomes industry professionals to discuss gear use, technical production, and filmmaking. Recently, a Vancouver-based film director led a full-day session on video and editing, focusing on how social media can be used to promote music online.

"The arts are so competitive," said Russell. "You must have talent, obviously, but because it's so competitive, you must also be up to par when it comes to the technology. You need to be able to promote yourself properly, and the better they are going into this art world, the better the outcome is going to be."

Cave Studios hosts live music events throughout the year, giving students the opportunity to showcase their learning and skills to their peers.

"You get to play music with a lot of people, including people I didn't know played music," said Grade 11 student Roman Kentfield. "This program brought everyone together."

Wark says he plans to play the guitar for the rest of his life, and music could become a dedicated career path.

"I'm friends with somebody who just joined the school, and they were fascinated by the program. Other friends that go to different schools are jealous. They can't believe we get to play in our band for credit," Wark added.

"Our goal is to build an inclusive environment where students learn to compose, record, and perform music," added Russell. "They're skills that transfer far beyond the classroom."