Students will form a standard jazz ensemble consisting of trumpets, trombones, 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.
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 study jazz improvisation using materials by Jamey Aebersold and others.
Through rehearsals and performances, the successful student will be able to demonstrate basic skills in:
- Improvisational skills and solo playing
- Ensemble techniques – section blend, rhythm comping, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, etc.
- Appropriate phrasing and articulation of various styles of Big Band music from originators like Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Modern Jazz and Jazz/Rock arrangements
- Sight reading
- Aural recognition and appreciation of various styles and periods in the history of jazz
- Modern recording techniques through participation in live and studio recording sessions.
| 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.
All music and study materials will be provided by Douglas College.
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