MUS A127: Jazz Lab Ensemble

Course Outline of Record
Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	12/08/2021
Top Code	100400 - Music
Units	1 Total Units
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	Yes
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	Yes; Repeat Limit 3
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S)

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. This course may be taken four times. PREREQUISITE: Eligibility based on successful audition. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: MUS 180.C-ID: MUS 180.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

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

Course Objectives

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

Lecture Content

This is a lab only course.

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 su pervised repetition and practice.

Method(s) of Instruction

Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Group rehearsal and performance

Reading Assignments

Writing Assignments

Testing in musical skills and aural recognition

Out-of-class Assignments

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

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

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration