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Course Syllabus

MUSC 1146 Jazz Ensemble I

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1-3; Lecture: 1-3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: none
  • Corequisites: none
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2022
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
  • End Semester: Summer 2028
  • Optimum Class Size: 20
  • Maximum Class Size: 23

Course Description

A standard jazz big band. Audition required. Performs literature inclusive of all jazz styles. Performs concerts, attends festivals and does touring. This class also covers various aspects of the music business such as creating promotional materials and marketing, identifying technological resources for jazz education, and networking strategies to secure employment (Repeatable for Credit).

Justification

Jazz is a uniquely American form of art that is generally taught at the college level in a big band setting. This course is standard at four-year institutions throughout the state. The course typically transfers without problem. Music education majors need this experience at Snow College in order to teach this subject in secondary schools. Students wishing to continue band at a four-year institution must develop competitive performance skills while at Snow College.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will understand this literature with respect to its historical context as well as the stylistic, expressive, and formal qualities associated with the music.
  2. Students will create marketing materials such as professional performance photos, performance video footage, and a resume.
  3. Students will study jazz recordings by legendary artists to gather and develop the musical tools and nuances necessary to improvise in performance.

Course Content

Music from all stylistic periods of jazz and jazz-adjacent literature will be studied, practiced, rehearsed and performed. Various cultural and historical perspectives regarding the assigned repertoire will be explored. Proper instrumental technique will be stressed. Improvisation will also be a main focus and will be introduced to those with no prior background. Students will participate in several photo sessions and video shoots to develop promotional materials. Students will study and submit a professional portfolio and music resume to aid in their future employment opportunities.