EL SEGUNDO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

EL SEGUNDO HIGH SCHOOL

 

COURSE OF STUDY

 

Course Title: Jazz Ensemble

Department: Applied & Fine Arts

Grade Levels: 9-12

 

A. COURSE INFORMATION

 

Length: One Year

Prerequisite for Enrollment:  Intermediate musicianship

Recommendation for Enrollment: Teacher consent

Type of Course: Elective. College preparatory (UC/CSU), this course meets the Fine Art requirement

 

 

B. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE

 

The Jazz Ensemble is a performance group that develops musicianship through the practice and understanding of jazz improvisation and applied music theory.  Students will learn standard jazz performing techniques such as soloing, accompaniment, and jazz usage of scales and chords.  Students will strive for instrumental mastery through rigorous class exercises and additional practice at home.  This course will also address the historical significance of Jazz and its role in the artistic development of 20th and 21st Century music.  Performances will include regular school functions and fall, winter, spring and year-end concerts.  Attendance at rehearsals and performances will be required.

                                                 

C. BOARD-ADOPTED TEXTBOOKS

 

Play-A-Long Books and Recordings, Jamey Aebersold

The Jazz Theory Book, Mark Levine

The Real Book, Hal Leonard

 

D. SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONAL MATIERIALS

 

Instructor selected music literature

Recordings

Guest clinicians

 

 

 

 

 

E. BRIEF OUTLINE OF COURSE CONTENT

 

First Semester

 

1. Jazz Improvisation Basics

2. Musicianship Skills Development

3. Historical Development of Jazz

4. Understanding of Swing, Latin, and Fusion Jazz Styles

5. Development and Practice of Jazz Terminology

6. Introduction to Scales, Chords and Modes

7. Study of Jazz Nomenclature

8. Beginning Ear Training

 

Second Semester

 

1. Further Improvisational Techniques

2. Sight Reading

3. Phrasing and Advanced Musicianship Skills

4. Refinement of Performance Skills and Techniques Including Stage Presence

5. Testing of Scales, Chords and Modes

6. Testing on Advanced Jazz Repertoire

7. Jazz Transcriptions

8. Advanced Ear Training

 

Suggested Instructional Activities:

 

1. Home Practice

2. Sectionals

3. Analysis of Recordings

4. Concert Attendance

5. Ensemble Performances

6. Solo Performances

7. Private Lessons

 

 

F. BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES FOR JAZZ ENSEMBLE

 

All objectives are taught on an ongoing basis, throughout the year and are cross-referenced with the Visual/Performing Arts standards as indicated below:

 

Artistic Perception (ARP); Creative Expression (CE); Historical & Cultural Context (HC); Aesthetic Valuing (AV); Connections, Relations, & Applications (CR):

 

Upon completion of the fall semester the students in the Jazz Band will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skill:

 

1.   Students will be able to define and perform the fundamental elements of musical performance, such as: tone, intonation, rhythm, blend and balance, dynamics, style, and phrasing. (ARP, CE, AV)

 

2.   Students will be able to identify and perform different styles jazz and music from other cultures. (ARP, CE, AV, HC, CR)

 

3.   Students will be able to identify compositions of various composers for many time periods including: Big Band Swing, Blues, Be Bop, Free Jazz and Contemporary Jazz (ARP, CE, AV, HC, CR)

 

4.   Students will be able to identify and perform our nation’s music and be involved in community patriotic celebrations. (ARP, CE, AV, HC, CR)

 

5.      Students will be able to show musical progress on their individual instruments in the areas of tone, technique, and musicianship. (ARP, CE, AV)

 

6.      The students will be able to explain that it takes the values of cooperation, responsibility, hard work, and dedication in order to create a work of art. (ARP, AV, CR)

 

7.      Students will be able to analyze and evaluate their own group’s performance. (ARP, CE, AV)

 

8.      Students will prepare, perform and audition for the director, which will include playing all major scales, chromatic scale, a solo, and sight-reading. (ARP, CE, AV)

 

Further Adherence to Visual/Performing Arts Standards:

 

Artistic Perception

 

In band, processing, analyzing, and responding, are skills used constantly by students. As the students play music, they must process and respond to the following: playing their rhythms with the ensemble, being in tune, and responding instantly to correct any of these problems. Students also demonstrate an increasing understanding of the language symbols and notation unique to music. This understanding allows an increased sensitivity to the contrasts, subtleties and meanings in music and its text. The elements of music are applied in rehearsal, increasing over time, and culminating in performances.

 

Creative Expression

 

Students will demonstrate an increasing understanding of the role of dynamics, articulation, melody, harmony, and correct tone production on their instrument. Students will become increasingly independent in their ability to apply the principles of notation, symbolism, music theory, and be able to utilize them to adlib solos or compose music of their own. They also will participate in several performances every semester.

 

Historical & Cultural Context

 

Students will understand the cultural, social, and historical setting unique to each composition of the music they rehearse and perform. Students will be exposed to a vast range of music from the various cultures and periods of Afro-Cuban Jazz, Be Bop, Swing and the Blues.

 

Aesthetic Valuing

 

Students will develop and increasing ability to recognize musical styles in performances by themselves and others. Students will develop and increasing ability to recognize and analyze excellent performance and respond with increasing appreciation.

 

Connections, Relations & Application

 

Students will develop and increasing appreciation for the importance of teamwork, discipline, commitment, and independent study in music. This understanding will be applied to endeavors in other subjects and activities.

 

G. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

 

Grades in music are subjective and are based on the following:

Daily participation, effort, and attitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40%

Attendance at performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45%

Tests and quizzes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15%

 

Grading scale for tests and quizzes:

90 – 100         A

80 – 89           B

70 – 79           C

60 – 69           D

59 and below  F

 

Semester grade weighting:

1st Quarter Grade   45%

2nd Quarter Grade  45%

Final Exam            10%

 

Other Factors:

1.      Attitude – Responsibility, dependability and cooperation.

2.      Achievement – Music Progress. (Weekly assignment and tests)

3.      Attendance – since this is a daily activity class, students are graded on both daily attendance and attendance at performances.

4.      Semester Final – includes a written test that will cover music terms and fundamentals, and an individual playing test.