SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD UNIVERSITY JAZZ BAND COURSE SYLLABUS MUS 1131 Mr. Tyrone Block SPRING 2010 COURSE DISCRIPTION Patterned after both contemporary big band and modern jazz groups as well as the large popular groups of the 1930's and 1940's, this instrumental group devotes itself to the performance of the best jazz literature of the past and present as well as sacred jazz literature for ministry in campus chapels and special events. Open to all university students by audition. There will be public concerts each semester as well as performance for Chapel. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Read and understand multiple jazz styles. 2. Sightread jazz music at a proficient level. 3. Able to understand to jazz terminology. 4. Able to understand jazz symbols. 5. Understand basic ii V7 I patterns. 6. Understand blues progressions 7. Understand beginning to intermediate improvised solos. 8. Able to play basic blues solo in two or more keys Additionally, upon completion of this course the student should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills as stated in the Music Standards, and be able to teach these standards to students. These objectives utilize the Music Standards and prepare the student to pass the TExES exam for State Certification. Standard I. The music teacher has a comprehensive visual and aural knowledge of musical perception and performance. 1.1k The beginning teachers knows and understands the standard terminology to describe and analyze musical sound; and 1.2k The beginning teacher knows and understands how to demonstrate musical artistry both through vocal or instrumental performance and by conducting vocal or instrumental performances. Standard II. The music teacher sings and plays a musical instrument. 2.1k The beginning teacher knows and understands methods and techniques for singing and for playing a musical instrument; 2.2k The beginning teacher knows and understands techniques for performing vocally and instrumentally as a part of a group; and 2.3k The beginning teacher knows and understands a varied musical repertoire for vocal and instrumental performance. 1
Standard III. The music teacher has a comprehensive knowledge of music notation. 3.1k The beginning teacher knows and understands how to read, recognize aurally, and interpret music notation. Standard IV. The music teacher creates and arranges music. 4.1kThe beginning teacher knows and understands methods and techniques of musical composition and improvisation. Standard V. The music teacher has a comprehensive knowledge of music history and the relationship of music to history, society, and culture. 5.1k The beginning teacher knows and understands music of diverse genres, styles, cultures. Standard VI. The music teacher applies a comprehensive knowledge of music to evaluate musical compositions, performances, and experiences. 6.2k The beginning teacher knows and understands the criteria used to evaluate and critique musical performances and experiences. Standard VII. The music teacher understands how to plan and implement effective music instruction and provides students with learning experiences that enhance their musical knowledge, skills, and appreciation. 7.6k The beginning teacher knows and understands the importance of providing each student with a level of musical self-sufficiency to encourage lifelong enjoyment of music; and 7.12k The beginning teacher knows and understands proper health techniques for use during rehearsals and performances. Standard VIII. The music teacher understands and applies appropriate management and discipline strategies for the music class. 8.1k The beginning teacher knows and understands strategies and procedures for effectively managing and organizing the music class in various settings (e.g., rehearsal room, concert hall, marching field). Standard IX. The music teacher understands student assessment and uses assessment results to design instruction and promote student progress. 9.1k The beginning teacher knows and understands the skills needed to form critical judgments about music; and 9.3k The beginning teacher knows and understands the constructive use of criticism when evaluating musical skills or performances. COURSE TEXT: 2
Music will be assigned to each student for rehearsal/performance use. Each student will be held responsible for the care and return of the music at the end of each semester. All music must be returned in good condition before the final grade is given for the student. Fines will be charged for all music that has been damaged, lost, or simply not returned (replacement cost plus $5.00 processing fee). If a student does not comply, their name will be submitted to the Registrar's Office and a hold will be placed upon their file until the matter is cleared. Students desiring to use a school owned band instrument will be required to pay a $20.00 rental fee to the cashier and submit the receipt to the instructor. Each student will be held responsible for the care and return of the instrument at the end of each semester. All instruments must be returned in good condition before the final grade is given for the student. Fines will be charged for all instruments that have been damaged, lost, or simply not returned (replacement cost plus $5.00 processing fee). If a student does not comply, their name will be submitted to the Registrar's Office and a hold will be placed upon their file until the matter is cleared. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Students are expected to be punctual in/and attending all rehearsals, including extra scheduled regular and dress rehearsals. 2. Students are expected to practice and prepare all music outside of class. 3. Students are expected to be punctual in/and attending all scheduled performances, including chapel services and formal concerts. 4. Students are expected to provide for and wear agreed-upon concert attire to be used for all concerts. 5. Students are expected to complete any assigned written work. COURSE METHODOLOGY: This course is taught as a performance group. Class sessions will consist of rehearsals and performances in a wide variety of genres including band concerts and informal Coffee House concerts in which the band will be the primary medium. Students may be asked to participate in other additional musical functions such as Homecoming and Graduation for example. COURSE EVALUATION Each musician is expected to learn all parts for the pieces being rehearsed during the semester outside of class. The class does not meet long enough or frequently enough to spend time practicing individual parts in class. A = 90 100; B = 80 89; C = 70-79; D = 60 69; F = 59 and below.. 3
Exam Dates The performances given throughout the semester are considered the exams for this performancebased class. To miss a performance is to receive a zero for the exam. No make-up exams will be considered. The instructor will provide a performance calendar. Please mark all the dates on your personal calendar. NOTE: Contingent upon the needs of the class, exam dates (concerts) may be altered if necessary. You may be asked to perform your parts for the class when necessary. Final Exams During the Final Exam Week, a final exam will be administered in class at the time that the university has established as printed in the class schedule. No final exam will be given prior to Final Exam Week. Students with scheduling problems may arrange with the professor (subject to the professor s approval) to take an exam at an alternate time. The arrangement must be done the week prior to exam week. The alternate exam time is scheduled on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6:00 7:20 P.M. of final Exam Week. Graduating seniors with a grade of B or higher within a course may be exempted from the last examination of the course if the professor designates it as a comprehensive final exam. However, a graduating senior with a grade of B or higher within a course, at the professor s prerogative, may or may not be exempted from a unit exam given during the Final Exam Week. Grading Because of the nature of this course, grades are dependent upon attendance and preparation. Attendance to both rehearsals and performances is of utmost importance. Please make every effort to attend every rehearsal. Course Policies Rehearsals 50% Performance Participation 50% 1. Attendance: As specified in the Student Handbook, Music Department Handbook and Institutional Policy Manual. If a student is absent, they are still held responsible for the material covered. Southwestern s on-campus academic program is designed as an in class learning experience. In this type of instructional setting, the ability to pass examinations and complete outside projects is only a partial measure of the student s knowledge, skills, understanding, and appreciation of the subject matter. Therefore, students are required to maintain regular and punctual class attendance. 4
Absences which exceed twenty percent (20%) of the number of times that a class meets per semester (6 absences for classes meeting 2 times per week), regardless of the nature or reason for the absences, will result in the student being administratively dropped automatically from the course, receiving a grade of W. The student will be assessed the established course withdrawal fee. A student who is absent from a class is totally responsible to make the appropriate advanced arrangements with the faculty member for possible make-up work. The faculty member will have the prerogative to determine if a student may make up any examinations or outside assignments based upon the reason for a student s absence and when the make-up work must be completed. However, no point reduction will be assessed to a student s final grade for absenteeism. 2. Tardy: As specified in the Student Handbook, Music Department Handbook and Institutional Policy Manual. Students missing fifteen minutes of a class will be counted absent for that session. Every two tardies in classes that meet twice a week will be considered as an absence. The student is responsible, at the end of class, to identify his/her tardiness to the professor. 3. Academic Dishonesty and Cheating: As specified in the Student Handbook, Music Department Handbook and Institutional Policy Manual. Students are expected to be honest in fulfilling all academic requirements and assignments. This pertains to examinations, themes, book critiques, reading reports, etc. A student will not be allowed to withdraw from a course if he/she is under investigation for academic dishonesty. In the event that the student is determined guilty of academic dishonesty, then the student will not be allowed to withdraw from the course and will receive the grade determined by the faculty member, wither an F for the assignment and/or and F for the course. Dishonesty could possibly result in further disciplinary action. Refer to Major Infractions in the Student Handbook. 4. Miscellaneous: Students must wait 15 minutes for a faculty member before leaving class unless they have been notified otherwise. Tips for Students You only get out what you put in. Office Hours Office hours to be announced. I have an open door policy. If my door is open please feel free to talk. 5
I can be reached by e-mail (tblock@sagu.edu), office phone 972.825.4792 6