40642/40643 *ADVANCED JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Open to: 10-11-12
Length: 2 semesters
Credits: 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Students MUST meet the following requirements:
•Saxophones, Brass, and Percussion are required to be enrolled in Band.
•Bass players are required to be enrolled in Orchestra.
•Pianists and guitarists are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in quality private study (see instructor for recommendations).
•Any students without experience will be required to audition.
NOTE: Class size and enrollment will be determined by instrumentation needs.
Content: Advanced Jazz Ensemble is a performing music class in which students are exposed to the music of the jazz idiom via large group rehearsals. Students concentrate on developing fundamental ensemble skills as they study music of grade 3 and above as determined on a scale of 1 to 6. Students will also spend time developing individual jazz performance skills such as transcription and improvisation. These skills are applied during concert performances and “combo” opportunities that include the WSMA Solo& Ensemble Festival and other regional jazz festivals. To achieve musical proficiency and make a positive contribution to the ensemble, individual out-of-class practice is necessary and expected. Performance attendance is required.
Activities: Large group rehearsals and/or small group sectionals daily. Individual and/or small-group lessons and assessments. Self-directed jazz combo projects. Peer and self-assessment activities. Advanced creativity activities involving transcription, improvisation and composition.
Cost: Students provide their own instruments with the exception of the larger, more costly ones, which may be rented from the school. This includes any and all percussion instruments. Students are also expected to provide any items necessary for their personal use such as reeds, valve oil, and mutes. For the benefit of the ensemble, all students are expected to keep their instruments in good repair.