Course Description
Advanced level big band. This ensemble is made up of traditional instrumentation of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, bass, drums, and guitar. This ensemble performs a difficult level of music from a variety of jazz styles, including swing, be-bop, Latin jazz, and contemporary.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to transcribe an improvised
solo from a recording with instructor's approval.
Athena Title
Jazz Ensemble I
Non-Traditional Format
This is a performance group that requires additional rehearsal time to function. The additional time will account for what would ordinarily be homework in regular courses. This format is typical of institutions of our size that offer this class.
Undergraduate Prerequisite
Permission of major
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of major
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The student will be able to: *demonstrate advanced technical facility and musicianship on their respective instrument; *perform and rehearse at a professional level; *demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of selected jazz repertoire; *demonstrate mastery of complex jazz music from a variety of eras.
Topical Outline
1. Historical overview: The study of the evolution of big band music from: *swing era; *be-bop; *post-bop; *cool era; *latin jazz; *contemporary. 2. Performance and improvisation techniques appropriate to an advanced big band jazz ensemble.
Syllabus