76.149-150 Ensemble Performance 3 & 4
Course Information and Standards
- Class meeting time/place
- TBD
- Instructor
- TBD
- Office hours
- TBD
Course Description
Ensemble Performance 3 and 4 focus on small group improvisation based
on American popular song from 1910 to 1960. Both courses emphasize
ensemble dynamics and blend, melodic interpretation, and the
chord-scale relationships needed for good soloing and
"comping". Interpreting and expanding on lead sheets are also
emphasized. The clientele of these courses has traditionally consisted
mostly of guitarists, bass players, and drummers, but brass and
woodwind players, as well as vocalists, are welcome. Prerequisite:
76.148. Credit: 2.0.
Goals and Objectives
Upon successful completion of these courses, the student will be able to
- sight-read his/her part of an advanced jazz arrangement
- realize a complex accompaniment from a lead sheet
- improvise melodies confidently and fluently over arbitrary chord
progressions
- play from memory American popular songs of a variety of styles
Required Textbook(s)
- Jazz Bible Fake Book, Vol. I: Ragtime and Early Jazz.
Milwaukee: Hal Leonard.
- Jazz Bible Fake Book, Vol. II: The Swing Era.
Milwaukee: Hal Leonard.
- Jazz Bible Fake Book, Vol. IV: Jazz of the Fifties
Milwaukee: Hal Leonard.
Required Course Materials
- 12-staff spiral bound music notebook
- No. 2 pencils
Course Outline
Ensemble Performance 3 and 4 will be devoted primarily to the
preparation and performance of selected compositions. The instructor
will choose appropriate pieces based on the available instrumentation
and the capabilities of the musicians. The exact sequence of
activities will therefore vary from section to section of this course.
Each class meeting may include rhythm and performance training
exercises. The instructor may give written assignments based on the
musical concepts discussed during each meeting. The homework for each
week will include preparation of the piece(s) to be played at the next
class meeting. The course will have a midterm and final exam. The
midterm will be an in-class recital of selected pieces. The final will
be a public recital.
Grading Policy
Grades in this course are determined primarily by attendance and by
the level of participation in the ensemble's activities. The grades
awarded to each small ensemble for its performances will be included
in the computation of the final grade awarded to each student in the
ensemble. Grades for any written homework, quizzes, and tests on
material covered in the course will also be included in the
computation of the final grade.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is essential to the success of the ensemble. To be
considered "present", the student must have all required books and
scores, and his/her instrument together with all necessary equipment
(amplifier, cables, etc.) in working order. Each unexcused absence
will result in the loss of a full letter grade from the final grade.