Approved by Faculty Senate

University Studies Course Approval

Department or Program:    Music

Course Number:    244

Number of Credits    1 S.H.

Course Title:     Jazz Ensemble

Catalog Description:
Jazz Ensemble is comprised of 18-20 musicians, who perform and study jazz in a big-band setting. The literature for the ensemble ranges from 1930's swing to contemporary concert jazz repertoire. Membership is open to all students of the university. Prerequisites: audition and permission of instructor. This course may be repeated for credit.

This is an existing course that has previously been approved by A2C2:         Yes

Department Contact Person for this Course: Rich MacDonald

Email:        rmacdonald@winona.edu

Rationale:

USP Outcome a: explore the language, skills, and materials of an artistic discipline.
    In this course, students explore the language, skills, and materials of jazz music through performing a variety of jazz ensemble repertoire. Improvisation is encouraged for all jazz ensemble performers.

USP Outcome b: use the methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage in creative processes or interpretive performances.
    In the jazz ensemble, students are actively engaged in interpretation of varied repertoire in rehearsal and performance. Ensemble skills are refined, as the group features one to a part.

USP Outcome c: understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression.
    The cultural and gender aspects of musical expression are examined in the jazz idiom as they relate to composers, artists and history. Recordings are referenced frequently.
   
USP Outcome d: engage in reflective analysis of their own artwork or interpretive performance and respond to the works of others.
    Members of the jazz ensemble analyze their art by examining video and audio tapes of theirs and other's performances.

Course Syllabus

College of Liberal Arts
Winona State University

Department: Music    Date of Revision: Spring 2001

Course Number: MUS 244    Course Title: Jazz Ensemble

Number of Credits: 1 S.H.    Frequency of Offering: offered each semester

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor; audition

Grading: Grade only.

Course applies to: Fine and Performing Arts University Studies Requirements

1.    Catalog description
18-20-member instrumental ensemble that performs jazz music in a variety of settings. Membership is open to all qualified students of the university. Prerequisite: audition and permission of instructor. This course may be repeated for credit. This course may be applied toward the Fine and Performing Arts University Studies Program Requirements.

2.    Statement of the major focus and objectives of the course
This course fulfills the requirements for the Fine and Performing Arts category of the University Studies Program by including learning activities that promote students' abilities to:

a. explore the language, skills, and materials of an artistic discipline;
b. use the methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage in creative processes or interpretive performances;
c. understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression; and
d. engage in reflective analysis of their own art work or interpretive performance.

3.    Course outline of the major topics and subtopics: (letters in parentheses refer to the University Studies Program Fine and Performing Arts Outcomes listed above.)

1. Improving jazz performance skills, including improvisation (a, b, c, d).
2. Developing positive ways to interact with others in creating a final musical product (a, c, d).
3. Improving rhythmic skills (a, b, d).
4. Improving technical skills required of the individual instruments (a, b).
5. Learning and practicing effective rehearsal techniques (a, b, d).
6. Improving sight reading ability (a, b).
7. Understanding the cultural, gender, and historical contexts of works performed (c).
8. Engaging in reflective analysis of the ensemble's performance (d).

4.        Basic instructional plan and methods utilized.
Two rehearsals per week, 1 major performance per semester, and off-campus performances and tours    

5.     Course requirements (papers, lab work, projects, etc.) and means of evaluation.
Course requirements:
Attendance at all rehearsals and performances.
Outside practice of ensemble repertoire.

Evaluation will be based upon:
Attendance and Participation.
Adequate preparation of ensemble repertoire.
Participation in discussions during rehearsals indicative of reflective analysis of performance and understanding of the cultural, historic, and gender contexts of the works performed.

6.    Textbook(s) or alternatives:
Music will be provided by instructor. Repertoire will be selected from a variety of jazz big-band styles.