Course-Wide Enduring Understandings Jazz Band A, B & C

Course-wide Enduring Understandings Jazz Band A, B & C (MU6526, MU6527, MU9813)

● I am part of an ensemble, therefore actively listening to and cooperating with others is essential for success of the group (Grad at Grad: Loving). ● God has provided me the means and opportunity to learn an instrument and perform in an ensemble so I can share my gifts with others; therefore I must regularly (5 times/week) practice at home to achieve technical mastery of my instrument so I can contribute to the ensemble to the best of my ability; private lessons are highly encourage to aid in technical development. (Grad at Grad: Religious) ● I must be open to growth, and accept constructive criticism of my playing with an open mind so I can improve and continue contribute the ensemble to the best of my ability. (Grad at Grad: Open to Growth) ● I must strive to not only play my best, but also contribute to the ensemble as a whole to the best of my ability; the Jazz Band provides section leader positions, and annual awards are also given for Service & Hardest Worker. (Grad at Grad: Leadership)

Course-wide Essential Questions Jazz Band A, B & C (MU6526, MU6527, MU9813)

● What does it mean to play in tune? ● What does it mean to actively listen to others and to myself? ● How do I organize my time each week to include individual practice on my instrument outside of class? ● How can I contribute to the ensemble besides through just my playing ability? ● How to I apply the skills I learn in jazz band to the rest of my life?

MU 6526: Jazz Band A Unit I: Basics of Big Band Playing (first weeks up until quarter break)

Names of big band leaders Actively listen to what In class performance of I am part of a large ● What does it mean and composer-arrangers. they are playing, and what scales and other difficult ensemble and there are to play ‘in tune”? the ensemble is playing, as passages from the repertoire. “ground rules” The sections of the big opposed to passive conduct/playing/working ● How do I play well band and their role within “hearing”. Listening Assignments. together; there are leaders with the rest of the the band (rhythm, reeds, within the group. ensemble? brass) Tune their instrument. Smart Music Assignments.

I must practice at home to Basic “rules” for Play exercises and achieve the best results for ● How do I blend my ensemble playing and repertoire assigned in myself and for the sound with the rest why they are important rehearsal/class. ensemble. of the section and for rehearsal. the ensemble as a Play in tune with others. There is a difference whole? Key signatures of all between active listening and major keys. Blend their sound with passive hearing. their section and the rest of the ensemble. The swing, bebop and Latin-jazz sub-genres of Vary their articulation, jazz have different specific, inflection and types of definable stylistic sound for each piece, characteristics. depending on whether it is swing, bebop or Latin-jazz. Scales in all major and minor keys must be learned to achieve fluency and proficiency in playing the concert repertoire.

MU 6526: Jazz Band A Unit Two: Introduction to Performance Techniques (after quarter break)

● How is practicing How to adjust their Practice outside of and rehearsing performance to improve Perform repertoire from Performance in an off- class/rehearsal is essential different than intonation, balance, blend the baroque, classical, campus festival adjudicated for personal and ensemble actually within the ensemble. romantic, 20th and 21st by professional musicians in growth, both technically performing? century periods. the Bay Area. and musically. What their specific role is ● How do I know the within the band (section Master assigned scales and Performance in off-campus The mindset for correct style of this leader, follower, etc.) exercises given in the first “gigs” at Janet Pomeroy performance is different piece? quarter. Center, farmers’ markets etc. than that used for rehearsal. How to practice at home ● How do I display to achieve optimal results Perform repertoire in a Perform end-of-term Performing must be excellent in performance during festival setting off campus, concerts at SI. practiced. “musicianship”? class and at and in concert at SI. festival/concerts. Listening assignments. Everyone must work ● How do I use the together to put together a skills I learn in jazz performance. band in other areas of my life?

● How is music a universal language?

MU 6522: Jazz Band B (& Jazz Band C - “MU9813” - for all subsequent semesters taken) Unit I: Mastering the Art of Ensemble Playing (before quarter break)

Participation in a What does it mean to be a As students in Jazz Band Learn and follow protocol performance ensemble responsible musician? they are viewed as both for rehearsals and In class performance of benefits the individual and performers and educated sectionals scales and other difficult the group What does it mean to be a consumers of music. passages from the repertoire. leader in a music Increase playing skills as Independent success will ensemble? Basic concepts of music they relate to the technical Listening Assignments. lead to greater group theory and learn to apply demands of the music success How is music a form of music symbols and On and Off campus “gigs” at communication? terminology Improve intonation, Janet Pomeroy Center, High level performance knowledge of rhythm farmers’ markets, school builds positive self esteem How can self-evaluation Key signatures for scales reading and practicing events, etc. make me a better in all major and minor scales in different keys musician? keys. Smart Music Assignments. The swing, bebop and Improve music reading Latin-jazz sub-genres of What skills am I learning skills through regular jazz have different specific, by preparing this piece of ensemble practice definable stylistic music? characteristics. Vary their articulation, How can musical progress inflection and types of Scales in all major and be measured? sound for each piece, minor keys must be learned depending on whether it is to achieve fluency and Why is it important to set swing, bebop or Latin-jazz. proficiency in playing the goals for personal concert repertoire. improvement?

MU 6522: Jazz Band B (& Jazz Band C - “MU9813” - for all subsequent semesters taken) Unit Two: Mastering Performance Techniques (after quarter break)

Enduring Essential Essential Essential Skills Assessments Understandings Questions Knowledge Students will understand: Students will explore: Students will know: Students will be able to: Assessments may include: Music reflects and shapes culture and history What is the purpose of How to identify and Continue to improve all Performance in an off- music? appreciate various sub- aspects of musicianship, campus festival adjudicated Music has content and styles of jazz: swing, including tone, intonation, by professional musicians in meaning What role does music play bebop, Latin, funk. ensemble skills (listening), the Bay Area. in my life, now and in the rhythmic counting and Music is a life-long activity future? Key signatures in all playing, expressiveness, On and Off campus “gigs”. that provides enjoyment and major and minor keys. and technique enrichment What is the value of Perform end-of-term adjudication? Exercise leadership and concerts at SI. Music is a craft as well as problem-solving skills an artistic endeavor through participation in sectionals and chamber The Arts are a universal ensembles language Show a high level of self- discipline and personal responsibility, as demonstrated by diligence in home practice, proper care of equipment, and attendance at required events