Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	03/25/2026
Top Code	100400 - Music
Units	0 Total Units
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Total Student Learning Hours	54
Course Credit Status	Noncredit (N)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	Yes; Repeat Limit 99
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	P/NP/SP Non-Credit (D)

Course Description

Study and performance of modern big band jazz music. Special emphasis on ensemble skills for rehearsal and concerts. Public performances with guest artists will be schedule during each semester. Guest jazz artists will meet and work with the group periodically. PREREQUISITE: Eligibility based on successful audition. Transfer Credit: Not Transferable.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Design and implement a stage setup for a big band.
2. Perform in public as a big band ensemble and evaluate the quality of this performance.
3. Coach (teach) a sectional rehearsal dealing with technical difficulties or rhythmic inaccuracies.

Course Objectives

• 1. Organize and rehearse a sectional.
• 2. Identify technical difficulties relative to their individual instrument and devise practice solutions to solve those difficulties.
• 3. Effectively follow a conductor as a member of an ensemble.
• 4. Improvise a solo in the 12 bar blues format.

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Lab Content

Orientation.

The modern big band era (1965-present) Regional influences East Coast West Coast. Study of successful bands of the modern era: Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Stan Kenton, Bob Mintzer Vanguard, Maria Schneider, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Gil Evans, Rob McConnell.

Study of blend, phrasing, and tempos.

Ensemble skills. Sectionals. Rehearsal skills.

Articulations Breathing Study of rhythm section styles.

Shuffle Latin Bossa nova. Samba Rhythm section instrumentation.

Bass electric, acoustic styles piano, acoustic electric.

Drums trap set percussion. Latin percussion.

Use of sound system for sections and soloists.

Rhythm section amplification. Vocal sound. Lead horns.

Microphone techniques. Microphone selection. Positioning EQ.

Wind screen applications.

Condenser microphone. Dynamic microphone.

Live performance.  Studio recording.

Big band articulations. Marcato Tenuto Accent Falls Improvising styles. 12 bar blues. Latin Trading fours. Performing with a vocalist. Ensemble skills. Playing under the vocalist. Filling behind a vocalist.

Performance protocol. Attire. Stage presence. Organizing music for performance. Onstage etiquette.

Taking the course enhances skills by supervised repetition and practice.

Method(s) of Instruction

• Regular NC Lab (NC4)

Instructional Techniques

Group rehearsal and performance.

Reading Assignments

Sight reading of ensemble repertoire.

Writing Assignments

None.

Out-of-class Assignments

Individual practice of musical parts.

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Problem Solving Exercises
• Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Skill demonstrations, instructor evaluation of public performance, student participation in sectionals and rehearsals

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Testing in musical skills and aural recognition

Resources Subscreen

• Other: . . ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

• Music: Master’s degree in music OR bachelor’s degree in music AND master’s degree in humanities OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.