MUSC 243: Jazz Combos IV

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 1
Total Contact Hours: 72
Lab Hours: 72
Hours Arranged: 0
Prerequisite: Audition.
Strongly Recommended: MUSC 241 or MUSC 242.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Advanced jazz ensemble performance practices and techniques, including improvisation. Students will study and perform advanced-level standard and non-standard selections of the small jazz ensemble repertoire. This class will be divided into multiple small jazz ensembles. Public performance required. 72 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • demonstrate an advanced understanding of the characteristics, techniques and standards of performance that are required for the correct functioning of each station in the small jazz ensemble.
  • perform their individual instrumental function in a small jazz ensemble at an advanced level.
  • demonstrate an advanced knowledge of advanced-level standard and non-standard selections of the small jazz ensemble repertoire.
  • demonstrate knowledge of standard forms and procedures in the performance of advanced-level small jazz ensemble repertoire.
  • perform an extended set of advanced-level standard and non-standard selections of the small jazz ensemble repertoire, including the application of advanced-level improvisational techniques.

Major Course Content

  1. Assessment of individual students' entry musical performance skills, and consequent announcement of students' placement in small jazz ensembles.
  2. Review of small jazz ensemble membership, professionalism, and participation responsibilities.
  3. Review of "Fake Book" use and lead sheet reading, interpretation, symbols and terminology.
  4. Review of additional lead sheet resources, interpretation, symbols and terminology.
  5. Review of the selection of performance venue-appropriate and difficulty level-appropriate repertoire.
  6. Review of professional small jazz ensemble rehearsal and performance procedure and etiquette.
  7. Review of the characteristics, techniques and standards of performance that are required for the correct functioning of each small jazz ensemble station: drums/percussion, bass, guitar, keyboard, wind instrument and vocalist.
  8. Introduction of practice strategies for the development of advanced-level techniques required for correct function of participants at each small jazz ensemble station.
  9. Review of standard small jazz ensemble performance and repertoire form arrangement and form terminology.
  10. Introduction to performance, form arrangement and terminology for non-standard small jazz ensemble repertoire.
  11. Introduction to advanced-level improvisation techniques and procedures in small jazz ensemble performance.
  12. Preparation and performance of advanced-level standard and non-standard small jazz ensemble repertoire focusing on individual part performance proficiency integrated with ensemble station interaction and efficacy.
  13. Video review, instructor critique and student self-evaluation of performances.

Lab Content

  1. The small jazz ensembles into which the class is sub-divided meet to rehearse approved/assigned repertoire while reviewing and developing:
    1. Advanced-level ensemble station responsibility skills.
    2. Advanced-level repertoire form arrangement procedures and terminology
    3. Advanced-level improvised solo technique development exercises
  2. Prepare approved/assigned repertoire for public performance
  3. Review, critique and self-evaluate audio/video recordings of the class ensembles' performances
  4. Review, analyze and critique audio/video recordings of other small jazz ensemble performances
  5. Participate in public performances

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Assigned periodical articles

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Written evaluation of live and recorded small jazz ensemble performances using standard evaluation (adjudication) forms.

Examples of Outside Assignments

1. Develop, maintain and improve instrumental tone quality, intonation and loudness control, technique and musical rhythm projection on primary instrument. 2. Practice performance of assigned/approved small jazz ensemble station responsibilities. 3. Analyze advanced-level small jazz ensemble repertoire chord progressions and practice the application of advanced-level standard and non-standard improvisational soloing techniques on them.

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Online Education Lab