Jazz Ensemble

Eureka High School Jazz Ensemble     

2023-2024 Student/Parent Handbook

Chris Cox, Music Instructor

WELCOME to the Eureka High School Jazz Ensemble! The EHS Jazz Ensemble offers students the opportunity to make each student a better jazz player, performer, listener, and person. Being part of this program is an honor. We hope all parents and students will participate in the program with a high appreciation, understanding, and commitment in mind.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Chris Cox:  coxchris@eurekacityschools.org         

EHS Instrumental Music Office: 441-2521                

EHS Main Office FAX:  445-1956

Room: Music Building

Please feel free to email me at any time.  

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Music department courses offer unique opportunities for students to strive toward the following objectives:

●                    To develop sensitivity to the expressive qualities of music

●                    To demonstrate increasingly advanced technical proficiency.

●                    To achieve an understanding of the styles, idioms, and purposes of music that are a part of our multi-cultural heritage.

●                    To increase understanding of music theory, technology, and the “language of music.”

●                    To provide a solid basis of musical experiences through listening, performance, and analysis that will lead to a greater appreciation of the value of music.

●                    To provide an environment in which all students can participate in music and learn to work toward common goals.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE:

Prerequisite---Audition and Director’s Consent.

Jazz Ensemble is a select performing group that focuses on the American art form called jazz.  The course focuses on theory, technique, and improvisation.  A variety of styles will be explored, including swing, blues, bop, Latin, funk, and fusion.  In addition to class participation, you will be expected to follow a regular practice routine at home and to attend concerts, festivals, and various school/community events.

Course Objectives:

●                    Perform a variety of standard jazz/popular music repertoire

●                    Have an in-depth understanding of how music theory relates to jazz music

●                    Become more proficient on your instrument

●                    Have skills to perform with outside ensembles

Students will learn basic jazz techniques, sound production, soloing/ad lib, jazz theory, the history of jazz music, live performance techniques, and will learn how to appreciate and take pride in what they are accomplishing as young musicians. This class will challenge you as a musician. You are expected to always do your best and be prepared.

GRADING POLICY

Grades will be determined by the following:

●                    Class Participation – 50%

▪          Daily observation of effort, contribution, and improvement

●                    Performances – 25%

●                    Written Assignments and Tests - 25%

TARDYS AND ABSENCES

Students are expected to be in attendance and on time each day. The music classes will follow the current EHS Tardy and Absence policy.

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS:

Instruments are loaned to students provided that they are available in the school inventory.  Any repairs that are needed during the school year are to be paid by the student’s family.  In order to check out an instrument for the school year, students and parents must fill out and sign a bond.

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES:

Whether using private instruments or school instruments, all students are expected to provide their own cleaning supplies (valve oil, slide cream, cork grease, swabs, polish rags, mouthpiece cleaners, etc.).  Percussionists are expected to provide their own snare sticks and are encouraged to purchase mallets and other instruments as needed.  The mouthpiece provided with your instrument may be holding you back!  Using a quality reed and upgraded mouthpiece will improve most students’ sound immensely, and all woodwind players are encouraged to invest in a new mouthpiece & ligature. 

JAZZ ENSEMBLE UNIFORMS:

Concert dress for jazz band members is black slacks, black dress shoes, black socks, a solid-colored LONG SLEEVE dress shirt, and a tie.

CONCERTS/PERFORMANCES:

Attendance is required for all students involved and highly encouraged for parents.  All students will stay for the entire performance so that they may have the opportunity to listen to other groups.  Parents and students are reminded that proper etiquette is expected at all performances.  Attentive listening and timely arrival are important ingredients of superior concerts.  Please do not enter or exit the theatre during a performance and stay until the end of the concert to support all of Eureka High’s talented students.

PRACTICE TIPS:

High School students should practice no less than 2 hours a week.  You are doing a disservice to yourself and letting down the entire group if you do not meet this goal.  Try to take the following into consideration regarding individual practice:

●                    Practice a little every day and not a lot once a week.

●                    Select a time of day that will be free from interruption.  Use this same time every day and stick to it.

●                    Develop a routine including warm-up, cool down, scales, and sight-reading.  Have your objectives well in mind.

●                    Pay close attention to the basics every time you play---posture, instrument position, & use of air.

●                    Practice in front of a mirror or in another location occasionally---mix things up.

●                    Isolate troublesome passages and work on them SLOWLY, and then gradually increase the speed.

●                    Use a metronome whenever possible.

ADDITIONAL STUDY:

Private lessons are available from a variety of sources in the area, including local music stores and professional musicians. Students have the opportunity to attend music camps, music clinics, and special workshops during the summer.  An information packet with contact information for several camps will be distributed in the spring.  Watch for it and take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to grow musically, learn about theory & improvisation, sharpen up leadership skills, increase motivation, and HAVE FUN!

EHS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS:

The EHS Music Boosters is a parent group, which aids in the support of all music students at Eureka High School.  Meetings are from 6-7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.  Members may help out in a variety of ways, including chaperoning, driving, transporting equipment, preparing baked goods for concerts, making & distributing publicity announcements, serving on the dinner dance committee, helping with uniforms, and volunteering time or materials to improve equipment.   Students receive membership information and registration cards at the beginning of the school year.  Please contact the music department office if you would like more information about the Boosters, and we hope to see you at the next meeting!

FUNDRAISERS:

Throughout the year the Music Boosters sponsor fundraisers to help keep our program strong and growing.  Each music student is expected to do his/her part during these events.  All students are expected to raise enough money to fund their own trips through a combination of fundraising and contributions to their music accounts.

Let’s all do our best to:

●                    Have a POSITIVE attitude at all times!

●                    Be willing to try new things

●                    Be willing to fail and learn from your mistakes

●                    Always treat each other with dignity

●                    Commit to practice and strive to play your instrument the best you can.

Performance Calendar

November 15   7:00 pm       Location to be determined

TBD         6:00 to 11:00 Dancing and Delectables – location TBA

April 9         NCCMEA Jazz Festival - Crescent City

June 4          7:00             Location to be determined

Spring Trip will be discussed and scheduled after the start of school