MUSC 146: Chamber Jazz

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2020
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 162
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 126
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Prerequisite: Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Exploration and performance of medium-advanced and advanced (Grade 4 and 5) large jazz ensemble literature. Topics include the performance of various jazz styles, jazz ensemble section playing, and solo preparation in the large jazz ensemble setting. Public performance required. 36 lecture hours, 126 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • Play their chosen instrument at a advanced level as evidenced by their achievement and control of tone production, articulation, intonation, velocity, rhythmic projection, dynamics, expression and appropriate style.
  • Translate the music notation of advanced (Grade 5) jazz ensemble literature consisting of clef, key signature, linear and harmonic note designation, meter, rhythmic subdivision (counting), dynamics (loudness level and variation), articulation of swing and even eighth-note jazz styles, form, phrasing interpretation, and terminology.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of advanced concepts of jazz ensemble instrument section individual section responsibilities, blend and balance, intonation anticipation and adjustment, style and articulation interpretation and uniformity, and intermediate jazz harmonic theory applications to jazz solo preparation.

Major Course Content

  1. Development of advanced characteristic jazz tone
  2. Advanced strategies for the development of jazz rhythm reading skills
  3. Advanced techniques of jazz articulation- swing and even eighth-note styles
  4. Advanced techniques of jazz phrasing
  5. Advanced aspects of large jazz ensemble section chair responsibilities
  6. Professionalism and large jazz ensemble membership and participation responsibilities
  7. Advanced techniques of solo preparation for the large jazz ensemble setting

Hours Arranged Content

  1. Scale Study
    1. Major Scales
    2. Minor Scales
    3. Diminished Scales
  2. Chord Study
    1. Major
    2. Minor
    3. Diminished
    4. Augmented
    5. Dominant
    6. Major Seventh
    7. Minor Seventh
  3. Songs
    1. Pop
    2. Rock
    3. Soul
    4. R&B
    5. Oldie's
  4. Arranging
  5. Vocals
    1. Pitch
    2. Style
    3. Rhythm

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Handouts provided by instructor. Online web sources

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Assessment of students' learning of performance evaluation, concert key concepts, and contextual information (historical setting, cultural/stylistic environment, compositional elements, etc.) regarding the literature they are rehearsing, performing and evaluating is best done with written tests including short essay.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will read specific course content related articles, journals, or on-line resource material and provide a written assessment of the content and its value to their continued education in Chamber Jazz.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab