Descriptions of Assignments
Lesson Plan for a Jazz Band Rehearsal
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Lesson Plan Due January 30
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Lesson plan execution on February 1
Plan a short, 10-minute lesson plan for a beginner's middle school jazz ensemble. Please include the following:
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Warm-up strategies (5 min)
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Focused rehearsal on a 32-bar section of a beginner's jazz band piece (5 min; piece to be selected by Mr. Aguilar, music director at Eagle Staff Middle School)
You will execute the second half of your lesson plan (no warm-ups) with the students of the Eagle Staff Middle School Jazz Band in a short, 5-minute rehearsal frame.
List of Jazz Ensemble Repertoire
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Due February 22
Compile a list of twenty pieces for large jazz ensemble/big band. Break down the list of selections as follows:
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5 beginner, 5 intermediate, 5 intermediate/advanced, 5 advanced
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Provide the following information for each selection:
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Title:
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Composer:
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Arranger:
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Publisher:
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Cost:
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Style:
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General Comments:
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Observation Report of a School Jazz Rehearsal
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Due February 27
Observe any school-based jazz ensemble rehearsal. Write a brief (2 page max.) summary addressing the following two questions:
1. What were some rehearsal strategies you observed during this rehearsal? What strategies seemed most (and least) effective?
2. Reflect upon your abilities in leading a jazz band rehearsal. What do you feel confident about? What do you feel you still need to learn to be successful in this position?
Listening Quiz
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March 1
A short listening exam, selected from pieces played at the beginning of and during classes. Be able to describe, where applicable:
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The era
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The composer or band name
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Any special significance the selection may have had on the history of jazz
Analysis of a Big Band Score
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Due March 6
Choose any large jazz ensemble/big band piece and complete an analysis of the score in the style of Rayburn Wright's Inside the Score. Please include the following:
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A 2-4 page (max.) desciption of the notable aspects of the melody, harmony, rhythm, form (of both the song and entire arrangement), and harmony.
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A copy of the score with your personal notes, pointing out the notable aspects of the piece as described above, as well as important rehearsal sections.
Scores are available by request from Will (list of available scores distributed in class). The Music Library also has a large collection of jazz scores available.
The Jazz Band Arrangement
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Due March 13
Write your own simple arrangement of a jazz piece. You may choose one of two options:
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Write an arrangement for a traditional big band (5 saxes, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, and rhythm section)
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Write an arrangement reflecting the instrumentation of the musicians within the class
There are benefits to either approach. The first allows you to develop skills in adapting a piece of your own inspiration for a traditional big band. The other can allow you to escape the confines of the traditional big band, allowing for instrumentalists of all kinds to participate in the jazz ensemble (which has been a significant criticism of jazz programs, both school-based and professional.)
You must submit the following for this final project:
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A full score (conductor's score) with transposed instruments
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Separate parts for each section
Because you are being asked to create both a full score and parts, it is highly suggested that you use notation software. If you do not own your own notation software, the music library provides access to Sibelius. As a UW student, you also have access to a web-based notation software called NoteFlight (www.noteflight.com).
If you chose Option 2, we will play through all of the arrangements during finals week as a class. If you chose Option 1, you will have the option of having the UW Studio Jazz Ensemble read through your arrangement during their last rehearsal. If you would like to have your arrangement played by them, you must have your score and parts completed a week earlier. Otherwise, you will need to wait for the Spring quarter if you would like to hear your arrangement.