914B 2:00 Jazz Band Intensive 

Gr 12 | 3 Credits | Year-Long | 3x per Cycle

 *PREREQUISITE: Audition and interview. Private lessons and background in music theory are strongly recommended. Juniors desiring to enroll in this Senior Intensive must consult with the instructor during the prior spring.

This is a rigorous Honors level course that will count in the computation of the Grade Point Average. The objective of this course is to provide opportunities for advanced students to gain sophisticated experience in playing varied jazz styles with an emphasis on increased skill in improvisation and in preparation for a college major or minor in music.

The Intensive student will function as a leader in the band. The Intensive student must keep a year-long journal which contains consistent entries showing evidence of reflective, imaginative, analytical, and critical thinking. Intensive students will also research, write, and deliver program notes about repertoire pieces performed in all concerts. In addition to the course requirements for 912A or 913A, students must complete two of the following: (1) attend six professional, semi-professional, or community jazz performances and write critical reviews of these; (2) view videos of all WHS Jazz Band performances and write critical reviews with musically specific commendations and suggestions for improvement; (3) compile an annotated discography of the works of a jazz “great” using resources from libraries and other individuals; (4) memorize the melody and chord changes to three jazz “standards.” Perform and improvise over the chord changes with a trio or quartet; (5) transcribe a recorded solo by a jazz “great” and play it; OR a major Senior Project agreed upon and designed with the teacher. Students choosing the Senior Project option must work on the project throughout the school year and continue to attend rehearsals and perform in concerts during the Senior Project term. 

Essential Skills

The Wellesley Public Schools Performing Arts Program offers a comprehensive program of experiences for all students. Courses offered through the Performing Arts are grounded in the Massachusetts State Arts Framework Essential Skills and Standards; Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. 

Jazz Band Essential Skills:

Creating:      

• Students will generate instrumental interpretations that integrate jazz aesthetic principles with personal style.

Performing:  

• Students will perform with accuracy and expression tunes from the jazz instrumental repertoire at a MAJE level 2-3 (scale of 1-6).

Responding:

• Students will analyze the ways that one’s own culture and privilege can affect the criteria one uses to evaluate musical performance.

Connecting: 

• Students will explain the development of the group’s aesthetic vision as an ensemble and how it is represented in our performance.