MUSC 223: Jazz Ensemble IV

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2022
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 144
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 108
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Prerequisite: Audition.
Strongly Recommended: MUSC 222.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

An advanced study and performance of large jazz ensemble music. This course applies jazz techniques to performance situations for the large jazz ensemble. Public performance required. 36 lecture hours, 108 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • Play their chosen instrument with control and proficiency at advanced-transfer level appropriate to a large jazz ensemble setting.
  • Translate written musical notation rhythmically, stylistically and dynamically appropriate to a large jazz ensemble setting at advanced-transfer level.
  • Understand logistical elements unique to live performance settings appropriate to large jazz ensemble settings at advanced-transfer level.

Major Course Content

  1. Development of transfer level control on chosen instrument
  2. Develop transfer level proficiency on chosen instrument
  3. Transfer level rhythm reading that is characteristic to large jazz ensemble performance settings
  4. Transfer level stylistic phrasing that is appropriate to large jazz ensemble settings
  5. Transfer level musical dynamics appropriate to large jazz ensemble settings
  6. Review logistical elements unique to live performance settings appropriate to professional settings for large jazz ensemble at transfer level
  7. Review logistical elements unique to live performance concert settings appropriate for large jazz ensemble at transfer level

Hours Arranged Content

  1. Instrument and vocal sections meet to rehearse assigned literature content and review and develop:
    1. Control on chosen instrument (intonation, range, improvisation)
    2. Proficiency on chosen instrument (tone)
    3. Accurate rhythm reading that is characteristic to large jazz ensemble performance settings (syncopation, dotted notes, various tempos, inherent Latin rhythms, interpretation of notation and rhythmic concepts from various eras)
    4. Stylistic phrasing that is appropriate to large jazz ensemble settings ("swinging at various tempos and various eras")
    5. Musical dynamics appropriate to large jazz ensemble settings (dynamic range written and implied, dynamic marking interpretation from various eras unique to large jazz ensemble)
  2. Live performance and conferring sessions are scheduled beyond the scheduled class and section times for:
    1. Review logistical elements unique to live performance settings appropriate to professional settings for large jazz ensemble (selection of material, attire, set up and staging logistics, timelines, budgets)
    2. Review client needs for a live large jazz ensemble (ambiance, vibe, special requests, logistical challenges, creative problem solving)
    3. Develop strategies for client needs (planning)
    4. Implement strategies for client needs (gigs/performance, problem solving)
  3. Live performance and conferring sessions are scheduled beyond the scheduled class and section times for:
    1. Review logistical elements unique to live performance concert settings appropriate for large jazz ensemble (selection of material, attire, set up and staging logistics, timelines, budgets)
    2. Review audience needs for a live large jazz ensemble (ambiance, vibe, themes, logistical challenges)
    3. Develop strategies for audience needs (planning)
    4. Implement strategies for audience needs (gigs/performance, problem solving)

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Music periodicals

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A short essay on jazz history or stylistic considerations of a jazz artist/genre may be required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Practice chords / scales Practice Styles Listening to jazz music Preparation of literature Memorization Improvisational Study Concert Attendance and Analysis Observe recorded concerts and analyze style, form and overall effectiveness

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab