Course Title: West End Instructor: Justin Binek Music Practice North 319 [email protected] (215) 307-5251

Summary of Course Content: West End is a vocal jazz ensemble in which the purpose is to teach the art of jazz singing in a vocal jazz ensemble, both individually and in the context of a group, in both a cappella and accompanied styles. Students involved will continually develop their comprehensive musicianship skills as they relate to the following: tone production, balance, blend, intonation, part independence, vocal flexibility, sense of time, style, theory, form and improvisation.

Grading Policy: Grading will be determined by a combination of attendance, preparedness, cooperation, individual output, knowledge of music, punctuality, positive attitude, flexibility, and commitment to musical excellence. The rough form is this: 50% Performances 40% Individual work 10% Engagement in Rehearsal

Attendance Policy: Rehearsals will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00- 7:50 PM in MUS 262 and Fridays from 1:00-1:50 in Lab East unless otherwise indicated. Additionally, women, men, and rhythm section will be required to schedule periodic sectionals (times TBD) – these sectionals may be attended by the director. Parts are to be learned during private practice and sectionals; music is to be made during rehearsals. Rehearsal attendance is mandatory. Unless it happens to be an extreme circumstance you are expected to be in rehearsal. If you are sick and can walk, you are expected to attend rehearsals with your music and a pencil. The only excused absences allowed are for university functions, professional engagements, religious holidays, illness (for which a notice from a physician must be supplied before the following class), death in the family, or “Act of God.” Each unexcused absence will result in a full lowering of the semester letter grade. Three unexcused absences are grounds for dismissal from the course (and the ensemble). Failure to attend any performance will result in a failing grade for the semester, except in extreme and/or unusual situations. Three instances of coming late to rehearsal will be counted as an unexcused absence.

Rhythm section members will not be required to attend all ensemble rehearsals; as a general rule, rhythm section will generally participate in the Tuesday and Friday rehearsals, with some Thursday rehearsals required as concert dates approach.

Required Materials: Bring your folder of music, a pencil, and water to every rehearsal. Lacking music will be considered the same as tardiness. All music will be provided, but it belongs to the ensemble.

Sound System Setup: All singing members of the ensemble are required to take place in setup and teardown of the system. Duties will be assigned shortly. Scheduled Performances: See below. Performances will be added frequently throughout the semester; in particular, we will likely be performing on run-out performances with Jazz Singers. Two weeks notice will require mandatory attendance; shorter notice than that will be discussed among the group. We will also be scheduling a weekend retreat for vocals during September.

Tuesday, March 21: West End, Avenue C, and Vocal Jazz Combos, 9:00 PM-Midnight (7:00 call), The Syndicate

Sunday, April 9: West End and Third Street Fall Concert, 5:00-7:00 PM (3:00 PM call), Kenton Hall (MUS 282)

Friday, April 14: West End at the Syndicate, 12:00-12:50 PM (11:00 AM call)

Sunday, April 30: Vocal Jazz ensembles at Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, UNT Stage, 11:00-3:00. Performance time TBA.