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Beginning Jazz Improvisation (525) and Seminar in Jazz Improvisation (526 and 547)
Course Expectations 2006 - 2007 |
| In these classes you will be exposed to the unique musical idiom of jazz through listening, playing, writing and performing. Manipulating the elements of jazz music in real-time is called improvisation; this will be our main focus. Manipulating the elements of jazz music on your own terms, however, is called composition; composition will also be a strong part of this course. As we progress through the school year, you will discover that one set of concepts we learn becomes crucial to learning the next set of concepts, and so on. Therefore, it is important that you schedule an appointment to see your teacher anytime you feel that you need clarification of a concept or perhaps some tutoring. The best way to learn is in a one-on-one setting, and your jazz teacher would be happy to work with you! |
| I. |
Attendance |
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A. Students are expected to be in the classroom before the late bell has sounded.
B. Students should begin setting up their equipment upon arrival to class.
C. After an appropriate time for set up, class will begin.
D. After class begins the school attendance policy takes effect. |
| II. |
Instrument |
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A. Students are expected to have an instrument in good working order.
B. Amps, drums and a piano are provided. Patch cords and drum sticks are NOT provided. If you don’t have them, you will be considered as not having an instrument.
In past years, we have had some trouble with students "borrowing" each others’ patch cords. This year, every guitar and bass player must label his or her patch cord by attaching a piece of masking tape and writing his or her name on it. If this has been done, the teacher will help make sure patch cords remain with the players to whom they belong. If a cord is not labeled, the teacher takes no responsibility for its general use.
C. Reed instrument players should have multiple good reeds ready at all times. |
| III. |
Jazz Binder |
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Each student must have a dedicated binder or portion of a multi-subject binder set aside for the jazz improvisation class. This binder should include pockets to hold handouts, blank paper for note-taking, and staff paper for note-taking and composition. Your binder must be organized in such a way that you do not waste class time looking for materials that you need, such as lead sheets. Binders will be checked periodically for their contents. |
| IV. |
Rehearsal Technique |
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A.
B.
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F.
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Each student must be actively involved in all aspects of rehearsal.
Each student must demonstrate proper playing technique, which includes:
1. Good posture
2. Proper instrument and hand position
Playing is not allowed while other instruments are tuning.
No talking or other disruptive behavior is allowed during rehearsal.
Note taking on theory and other lecture information (in pencil) is required.
All students must participate in rehearsals and discussions. |
| V. |
Practice/Homework |
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Regular daily practice is homework, and is required. Practicing should include learning appropriate scales, chords and melodies, as well as any other techniques and material reviewed in class. Other types of homework assignments will be given as well, including composition and transcription. |
| VI. |
Composition/Notation Assignments |
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Composition assignments and any other assignments involving writing with musical notation must be done using Sibelius notation software. |
| VII. |
Performances |
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A. "Jazz Nite" performances happen each quarter. The dates for this school year are
Friday, November 10, 2006 at 7:30 PM,
Friday, January 26, 2007 at 7:30 PM,
Wednesday, April 3, 2007 at 7:30 PM, and
Saturday, May 26, 2007 from noon to 3:00 PM.
B. Students will perform in 2,3 or 4 performances.
C. Students must attend all four Jazz Nite concerts, regardless of whether or not they are performing. |
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| GRADING POLICY |
| The eight course expectations are equally weighted when determining grade. Performance evaluation will take place as a part of the regular rehearsal process. The chart below illustrates the standard we use. |
| This grading policy is not ability biased. All players are expected to show progress on their instruments. Not all players are expected to play at the same level; but all are expected to play to their individual ability level and to show growth. |
Remember: your teachers do not GIVE you grades; you EARN grades. |
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