Jazz Ensembles
Ensembles of four to seven students learn phrasing, communication, and group improvisation. Students are placed according to previous experience and instrumental ability.
World Music Ensemble
The World Music Ensemble is open to any student who is interested in learning to
play and improvise in non-Western music traditions. All instruments are welcome. The
repertoire for the class will be given to students in the form of a recording. They will
be taught to learn assigned material by ear with help from the instructor each week.
Students will explore the musical traditions of countries around the world, including
Greece, Turkey, the Balkans, South America, and Israel.
Improvising String Quartet
This jazz combo for four to eight intermediate to advanced string players (violin, viola,
cello) focuses on developing improvisation and ensemble skills, using four-horn arrangements in styles from swing to funk and Latin.
Jazz Combos (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Small combos of four to seven students develop improvisation and ensemble skills
through the study of standard jazz repertoire.
Jazz Guitar Ensemble
This ensemble performs arrangements from a variety of different musical genres
including rock, funk, jazz, pop, world music, and classical.
Jazz String Ensemble
This jazz combo for four to eight intermediate to advanced string players (violin, viola,
cello) and rhythm section focuses on developing improvisation and ensemble skills, using
four-horn arrangements in styles from swing to funk and Latin.
Creative Modern Jazz Ensemble
Contemporary music is based on power, melody, strong thematic content, and great
sounds. This ensemble creates and performs modern, groove-oriented music while
incorporating the historical jazz elements of improvisation and group interaction.
Students learn how to groove, swing, and phrase together while building improvisation
skills and confidence. The group is open to all ages and consists of four trumpets, four
trombones, five saxophones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums.
Recording and Engineering - Basic Audio Product ion
Students explore the processes, concepts, and techniques of audio production. They
learn basic principles of acoustics, signal flow, microphones and their usage, analog vs.
digital recording technology, multi-track recording, mix-down, signal procession, digital
editing, and midi. Participants create and edit their own projects using Pro-Tools software by Avid Technologies, considered the industry standard, and also integrate the Internet and the iPod into the creative process.
Drum Lab
Students study American and South American popular dance rhythms and learn to write
simple form charts of arrangements, compose a drum/percussion part, and formulate a
percussion score. Upkeep, tuning, and repair of drum and percussion instruments are
also covered, including how to make and repair marimba, vibraphone, and timpani mallets.
Improvisation Labs
Jazz Improvisation for Beginners
Students learn the foundations for constructing a solo in a fun group setting.
They also learn basic chord types and scales, as well as ways to create a
coherent and interesting solo.
Jazz Improvisation - Intermediate Level
Students take part in a closer examination of improvisational styles and
technique. This class is designed for the player with a moderate amount of
improvisational experience. |