Michael Keddy
Head of Music
BMusA (UWO), BEd (UWO), DipFA (UCalgary), MMus (UManitoba), PhD (UVic)
Dr. Michael Keddy is an accomplished Canadian conductor, educator, and percussionist who currently serves as Head of Music at Brentwood College School in Mill Bay, British Columbia and Music Director for The Greater Victoria Concert Band (Senior level). Dr. Keddy holds a PhD in Music Education/Conducting from the University of Victoria and a Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Manitoba, having also completed advanced studies in conducting from the University of Calgary. Throughout his career, Dr. Keddy has earned praise for the exceptional musicality of his ensembles and has taken leadership roles as conductor for the University of Victoria Wind Symphony, the University of Victoria Don Wright Symphonic Winds, and guest conductor for the Civic Orchestra of Victoria.As a percussionist, Dr. Keddy boasts a distinguished performance history, from serving as the principal timpanist and percussionist for the Civic Orchestra of Victoria to performing across Europe—most notably as a marimba soloist and percussion section leader of the Ontario Youth Concert Band, which included a solo performance at Buckingham Palace. He has also provided educational leadership as Music Director and IB Exhibitions of Learning Instructional Leader at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria and as Head of Performing Arts at Parry Sound High School (ON), and as faculty at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Keddy is widely respected for his commitment to music education, frequently adjudicating and conducting clinics throughout Canada, and remains active as a clinician and performer, with credits that include marching in the World Champion Blue Devils’ snare line and continuous involvement in community and youth music initiatives.
Scott McGill
Rock Band Teacher
B.Mus., Jazz (VIU)
Born and raised on the west coast, Scott McGill majored in pop voice and jazz at Capilano College in Vancouver. He gained industry attention with the release of two notable independent albums nominated for music awards: in 1997, the album, First Time won runner-up at the YTV Youth Achievement Awards. In 2000, Check the Hype was nominated for Best New Indie Album at the influential West Coast Music Awards. In 2001, Mr. McGill was selected for a part in the Global Television reality show, Pop Stars: Boy Meets Girl, filmed in Toronto. Mr. McGill has fronted three bands in Vancouver: Revelry, Juice, and Hummer. He also composes and records his own solo projects. He regularly opened for bands such as Nickleback, Widemouth Mason, and Tower of Power and describes his work as “acoustic-pop-folk-soul-jazz”. Mr. McGill’s teaching philosophy encourages students to find their own voice through music. At Brentwood, he teaches Rock Band and has helped students to earn national-level awards.
Music
The Brentwood Music Program runs like a river through every aspect of performing arts at the School. Indeed, through many corners of our shared calendar—underpinning cultural milestones such as Remembrance Day, Concert for a Winter’s Eve, Concert for a Summer’s Eve, and a wide swath of competitive events that run from local to provincial and national levels. Informal opportunities for young musicians to perform for their peers are also part of our boarding experience on campus—from strumming a guitar at a warm evening cook-out to the annual all-student talent showcase in February.
Any audience member can tell you—whether a housemate coming to cheer on their friends, a parent with show ticket in hand watching for their son or daughter’s debut, or a dedicated teacher attending after class or their duty shift to clap passionately for the young performers they have nurtured and taught—the students of this program leave it all on the stage.
There is room for everyone to engage, enrich, and expand their skills and knowledge through the specific courses offered in Brentwood Music. Each student is encouraged to try something new—even something new that scares them a little—as well as to deepen their existing skill base through the more challenging offerings. As important as the technical components and performance results, are the relationships formed between learners across the year.
Music Courses
Jazz Band
The Brentwood Jazz Band welcomes all students who are at an intermediate to advanced level of musicianship. Students will play moderately challenging jazz band arrangements. Rhythm section, brass, and reeds musicians, and vocalists are all welcome. Ear training and sight-reading skills become a high priority for this group, as students practice the art of improvisation. The band will play on and off campus—including music festivals such as the Whistler Mountain Festival and MusicFest Canada during the year. In 2024, the Brentwood Jazz Band was awarded Gold at the Con Brio Whistler Mountain Music Festival, Silver at the West Coast Jazz Festival, and an invitation to Nationals in 2025.
Rhythm & Blues Band
Our Rhythm & Blues Band will appeal to talented instrumentalists and vocalists who will learn R&B arrangements, including rock, gospel, and blues influences. The band includes a rhythm section, brass, and reeds, in addition to vocalists. For vocalists, microphone technique will be a part of the mix and the learning process. The band performs throughout the year on and off campus, including at the Whistler Mountain Festival and at national festivals such as MusicFest Canada.
Rock Band
Beginner Rock Band
Beginner Rock Band is designed to encourage and nurture beginner musicians. It will be divided into practical, audio, composition, and performance—and will have an emphasis on the history of popular music from the 60s to the present day. A fundamental understanding of basic reading skills and chord charts will be studied. A variety of styles will be explored and performed from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. The course will explore and understand the audio/visual equipment used by rock bands for performance and recording such as PA systems, amps, and recording equipment. Further instruction will be given in band etiquette, instrument role, microphone technique, balance, blend, mixing, lead singing, harmony singing, dynamics, and showmanship. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood International Regatta.
Advanced Rock Band
Advanced Rock Band is designed for students who can show by audition proficiency on their instrument, and meet the standards of the Advanced Rock Band. The course will be divided into analysis, practical, audio, composition, and performance, but will have an emphasis on the current-day music scene. Members will do an advanced exploration and understand the audio/visual equipment used by rock bands for performance and recording such as PA systems, amps, and recording equipment. Further instruction will be given in band etiquette, instrument role, microphone technique, balance, blend, mixing, lead singing, harmony singing, dynamics, and showmanship. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood International Regatta. The grand finale for the band is the Concert for a Summer’s Eve in the George Killy Theatre in spring term.
Composition Rock Band
Composition Rock Band is designed for students who have completed at least one year of Advanced Rock Band or can show by audition proficiency on their instrument and meet the standards of the “Composition” Rock Band. Students of this advanced class will learn the craft of composing, arranging, and recording—along with the use of computers and music-scoring software. A variety of styles will be explored, composed, and performed, from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood International Regatta.
String Ensemble
String Ensemble is open to students with intermediate to advanced proficiency on string instruments such as the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This ensemble may also occasionally feature guest performances from vocalists or students who play instruments like the harp, piano, or percussion.
The String Ensemble has a diverse repertoire, encompassing from classical, modern, and folk to popular music. This broad range of musical styles suggests that students participating in the ensemble will have the opportunity to explore and perform a variety of genres.
Overall, such a course provides a rich musical experience for students, allowing them to collaborate with others, showcase their skills, and appreciate the versatility of string instruments across different musical traditions. The ensemble has been participating in music festivals across British Columbia and across Canada for MusicFest Nationals.
Vocal Ensemble
For new and experienced singers, our vocal ensemble explores the repertoire of many genres and styles of singing as voices are blended together to create harmony in a class for mixed voices. You will learn ensemble musicianship and vocal technique both with accompaniment and a cappella. You have the opportunity to participate in concerts in school and at festivals. Students eager to sing do not need sightreading experience to participate in this program.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble course is tailored for instrumental musicians with intermediate to advanced levels of performance ability. This ensemble includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments, creating a comprehensive group that covers a broad spectrum of musical sounds.
The repertoire for the Wind Ensemble is diverse, spanning from orchestral transcriptions and traditional concert band pieces to world music and selections from popular genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and show tunes. This variety indicates that students in the ensemble will have the opportunity to explore and perform music from different cultural backgrounds and musical styles.
The Wind Ensemble actively engages in both on-campus and off-campus events, including local music festivals, provincial competitions, and Nationals. Through these opportunities, students not only showcase their talents but also benefit from valuable performance experiences, fostering mutual learning and growth within the ensemble.
Music Facilities
The T. Gil Bunch Centre for Performing Arts houses the 431-seat George Killy Theatre, where our musical performances come alive. This professional theatre has all the sound and lighting equipment to make our performers look and sound their best. Outside of the theatre, there are several rehearsal spaces—most notably, the Asper Music Room—where our ensembles enjoy the musical acoustics of this purpose-built space. During sunny weather, our music classes can be found outside in the Brentwood campus oceanfront amphitheatre—overlooking the waters of Mill Bay, a neighbouring marina, and stunning views of Mt. Baker. Performers in the Brentwood Music Program will also have the opportunity to play on stage in our dining hall during formal dinners or at the annual Brentwood International Regatta.
Private Music Lessons
To further support our musicians in their pursuit of excellence and growth, the Brentwood Music Program offers private music instruction at all levels. Our educators hold recognized music degrees or designations from highly accredited institutions and have extensive professional experience. Students can sign up for year-long private lessons that take place in addition to regular arts classes.
Where Students Choose To Be
+1 (250) 743-5521
admissions@brentwood.ca
info@brentwood.ca
2735 Mount Baker Road
Mill Bay, BC, Canada V8H 1K8