Syllabus, ENS 107S/180K University of Texas Tex-Mex Conjunto Ensemble FALL 2010
Bajo Sexto Instructor: Jean Jacques “J.J.” Barrera Email:
Course Description
Conjunto (kohn-hoon-toh) is a uniquely American musical genre, indigenous to Central and South Texas. Its development began when Texans of Mexican heritage (Tejanos) took an interest in the accordion music of German, Czech and Polish immigrants, more than a century ago. Austin, TX had its own legendary button accordion conjunto pioneer by the name of Camilo Cantu known as “El Azote de Austin”(The Bullwhip of Austin) inducted into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame in 1987. The bajo sexto class is offered as a practical introduction in learning the necessary fingering techniques for the bajo sexto, a 12 string bass guitar, and its role as the traditional accompaniment to the button accordion based Tex-Mex music of Central and South Texas and Northern Mexico. Each semester we will focus on learning the diverse popular folk dance music of the regional Tejano communities. As the repertoire of these communities is primarily taught through oral and aural transmission… we will work on aural melodic and rhythmic exercises, and when necessary, use sheet music as a learning tool. The class will learn a variety of instrumental patterns in order to accompany the button accordionist familiar with the many traditional songs of the Tejano and Norteño music loving populace. While learning the music in this way, it is hoped that students will gain an appreciation of its significance.
Repertoire We typically choose pieces from the following genres: Polkas, Rancheras,Waltzes, Redovas, Mazurkas, Schottizes, Boleros, Cumbias, Huapangos, Paso dobles
Tentative pieces for this semester: 1. Bella Italia 2. Luzita 3. El Polvazo 4. La Revolcalda 5. Potpourri/polka medleys 6. Selection(s) from violinist El Ciego Melquiades 7. Student selection(s) from conjunto, norteño and mariachi artists… such as, Palomo y El Gorrion, Cuco Sanchez, Javier Solís, José Alfredo Jiménez, Pavos Reales,…
Registering for the class Students are asked to enroll in this ensemble rather than auditing. In special cases the instructor may grant some students permission to audit, but permission must be requested.
Music folder Please purchase a ring binder folder with plastic insert pages right away to keep your music organized, if you don’t already have one.
Registering for the class, or auditing Students are asked to formally enroll in this ensemble rather than auditing if they are UT students. In special cases the instructor may grant exceptions, but permission must be requested. This is because ensembles with less than ten students enrolled run the risk of being canceled.
Performances Participation in scheduled performances is mandatory. There may be other opportunities for which I will ask for volunteers. These additional events provide opportunities for community outreach, performance practice, and small honoraria, which support the acquisition of instruments, workshops, and inviting special guests.
Special related events In order for the students to participate more fully in the local conjunto scene, they will be informed of unique opportunities to attend professional conjunto performances throughout the semester. Furthermore, they will be apprised of possibilities to visit community meetings, conjunto/Tejano museums, music media stores, radio stations, luthiers and repairers of the bajo sexto, and other ways that they can support the music and the community.
Community Outreach The Center for Mexican-American Studies as does the UT School of Music supports this ensemble. Those who share an interest in the music and cultural practices of the Tejano world considerably enrich our activities.
Rehearsals There will be an important rehearsal before the class recital near the end of the semester. Individual instruction on particular instruments can be scheduled with the instructor as necessary.
Grading As this is a one-unit performance class, grading will be determined primarily by attendance. Students are expected to arrive promptly and to let the instructor know ahead of time if they cannot make a rehearsal. They are also expected to devote practice time to the music to be learned and to demonstrate competency with it as they perform throughout the term. In the weeks prior to a performance, students may be asked to stay a few minutes past class time in order to finish preparing; please expect this and plan to stay until we’re finished. During week 8 or 9 of the semester, the instructor may ask students to play/sing particular parts they have been learning. This will assure that they are making efforts to improve. Students are required to attend the final concerts listed below.
Religious holidays According to UT Austin policy, you must notify your instructor of a pending absence at least fourteen days prior to the date of observance of a religious holy day.
Disability policy Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic accommodations from the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities, 471-6259, http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/
Performance/Rehearsal dates for the coming semester
1. Extra rehearsal prior to Recital Studio show on Sunday, November 14, 2010. 7:30 pm.
2. Future performances TBA through emails and UT Tex-Mex websites such as…
3. Final off-campus show at Jovita’s on S. 1st St., Friday Dec 3rd, 8pm-2am. Our scheduled stage appearance will be decided upon in coordination with the other ensembles about a month or more before the event. There may be a need to meet earlier the day of the event in order to transport instruments down to the venue and have instruments tuned and ready.