Jazz Ensemble is designed to foster performance confidence, aesthetic perception, creative expression, responsible citizenship, and an awareness of the historical and cultural heritage of jazz music through the performance of jazz literature using traditional “Big Band” instrumentation. As a music performance organization, student participation in all rehearsals and performances scheduled inside or outside of the school day is required. Students must practice their instruments regularly to perform at their highest ability level. Unlike other instrumental music organizations, Jazz Ensemble usually consists of one musician per part. Therefore forgotten music, lost music, or music not adequately prepared greatly affects the entire ensemble to a much greater degree. Students must practice their instruments and parts regularly to perform at their highest ability and contribute the most to the ensemble.

Jazz Ensemble performances include formal concerts, community concerts as well as adjudicated jazz festivals. The opportunity for individuals to audition for the CMEA All-State Honor Jazz Band is also available.

Students are evaluated on participation, citizenship, rehearsal behavior, listening assignments, and discussion and performance of the assigned music on their particular instrument as well as their contribution to the total ensemble. Students may also be evaluated via tests and quizzes on the objectives below. For further details students should refer to the Carlmont Instrumental Music Handbook.

Course Objectives

The student will:

1. Attend at least four high school, college or professional level jazz concerts per year
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how sound is generated and modified
3. Demonstrate an understanding of musical terminology
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of jazz music in the areas of music theory, style, dynamics, articulation, rhythm, and form
5. Demonstrate an understanding of proper tone production on wind, string, and percussion instruments
6. Demonstrate an ability to improvise over chord changes
7. Listen to and respond to jazz music accurately and intellectually
8. Communicate musical ideas effectively through the use of standard music notation
9. Demonstrate sight-singing and ear training techniques
10. Identify some of the expressive elements in the music of different cultures and ethnic groups
11. Describe some of the social and historical situations which influence the composition, style, and performance of music
12. Demonstrate an awareness of the various facets of the music profession
13. Regularly apply appropriate practice technique
14. Perform appropriate levels of written music
15. Perform chromatic and two octave major scales in all major keys