Course

Jazz Band II

Important Notice

This course is not active. Please contact Department Chair for more information.

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 1231
Credits
1.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
N/A
Method(s) of instruction
Tutorial
Typically offered
Fall
Winter

Overview

Course description
Through rehearsals and performances, students will study jazz, rock, Latin and popular music. Emphasis will be placed on jazz improvisation and the proper interpretation of various styles of big band music. For players of trumpet, trombone, saxophone or rhythm section instruments.
Course content

Repertoire for this course will include a wide variety of arrangements for Big Band including swing, rock, Latin and ballad styles. In addition, students will practise ear training using "ear training tapes for the musician" by David Baker and will study jazz improvisation using materials by Jamey Aebersold and others.

Learning activities

Students will form a standard jazz ensemble consisting of five trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, piano, bass, guitar and drums. The instructor will teach the material and will conduct all rehearsals and concerts. In addition, the use of mechanical and/or electronic aids such as the TAP rhythm machine, recordings, tuning devices, metronomes, and others may be assigned and evaluated.

Means of assessment
Midterm improvisation test and/or in-class assessment 15%
Midterm ensemble work 20%
Final improvisation test and/or in-class assessment 15%
Final playing test or recording session 20%
Final ensemble work 30%

*N.B. In a performing group, regular attendance is vital to the learning of ensemble skills and the achievement of high performance standards. Absences affect every member of the ensemble; therefore 5% of the final mark will be deducted for each unexcused absence, to a total of 30%. Excused absences will include illness and urgent family or personal matters.

Unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal or a concert will result in a failing grade.

Learning outcomes

Through rehearsals and performances, the successful student should learn the following:

  1. Improvisational skills and solo playing
  2. Ensemble techniques – section blend, rhythm comping, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, etc.
  3. Proper phrasing and articulation of all styles of Big Band music from originators like Duke Ellington and Count Basie  to Modern Jazz and Jazz/Rock arrangements
  4. Sight reading
  5. The recognition and appreciation of various styles and periods in the history of jazz through listening to recordings
  6. Modern recording techniques through participation in live and studio recording sessions.

Textbook materials

All music and study materials will be provided by Douglas College.

Requisites

Prerequisites

MUSC 1131

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for MUSC 1231
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025