Jazz Rehearsal Game Plan Dean Sorenson - University of Minnesota [email protected] www.deansorensonmusic.com

A Balanced Rehearsal Long Term Short Term

Group Needs Individual Needs

Jazz Ensemble Elements Rhythm Section

Full Ensemble

Solos and Improvisation

Four Units of Preparation Unit One Unit Two

Unit Three Unit Four

Unit 1 – Sample Rehearsal Objectives: First Quarter – First 25% of time Sight Reading Basic Style and Phrasing Chasing notes, fingerings, etc. Introductory Improvisation tools

Techniques and Assignments: Rhythm Section Full Ensemble Solos and Improvisation

Sorenson – Jazz Rehearsal Game Plan, FL MEA Jan 2013, Page 1 of 3 Unit 1 – Techniques and Assignments Rhythm Section Individual student practice Basic Rhythm Section Function Individual Practice: Guitar Learn how to play all chords – use voicing sheets Getting a good sound: Fewer highs, more mids Understand strumming rhythm Individual Practice: Piano Learn how to play all chords – use written voicings Getting a good sound: be careful with sustain pedal Understand comping rhythms Individual Practice: Bass Learn how to play all notes Getting a good sound: not too boomy Good attacks on all notes Individual Practice: Drums Play full groove comfortably Add figures and fills later Individual Practice: Vibes / Auxiliary Percussion VIBES: Often double melody PERCUSSION: Groove sweetening

Unit 1 – Techniques and Assignments Full Ensemble Listen and Sight Read as much as possible Ensemble phrasing

Rehearsing Ensemble Rhythms: Singing and Playing Call and Response format Students should sing as they would play Choose passages in rhythmic unison Unit 1 – Techniques and Assignments Solos and Improvisation Improvisation from the beginning of the process Basic Skills

Single Scale Approach Nerf Jazz – no wrong notes Minimum theory required Teach to entire ensemble

Improvisation Practice Practice tracks for students Regular practice very important

Making Steady Progress Practice assignments for accountability Short-term goals leading to long-term goals Maintain a practice log and regular assignments Sorenson – Jazz Rehearsal Game Plan, FL MEA Jan 2013, Page 2 of 3 Units 2-3-4 – Rhythm Section Progression of Activity Locking up drums and bass – minimal drum groove Add comping instrument Add secondary comping instrument Full drum groove

Units 2-3-4 – Full Ensemble Progression of Activity Refine singing/call and response exercises Develop section independence Playing lines rather than notes and rhythms

Units 2-3-4 – Improvisation Progression of Activity Fully internalize scale tones Focus on rhythm Understand theory and chord construction Identify band soloists

For Further Questions: Dean Sorenson [email protected] www.deansorensonmusic.com

Sorenson – Jazz Rehearsal Game Plan, FL MEA Jan 2013, Page 3 of 3