Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0239 - Jazz Improviser's Orchestra

This is a course where we look to grow collectively into a dynamic performance ensemble. Our work culminates in a final concert at the end of the semester. Full attendance is crucial to the work of this class. Within the ensemble, each student will be encouraged to develop her or his skills as an interpretive musician and as an improvising soloist. All instruments, including voice, are welcome. We look to engage a pan-stylistic, pan-historical, celebratory approach to the African-American musical continuum. This semester we will focus on the work of Thelonious Monk and of Charles Mingus, two musical masters whose creative work defined just that approach. The course requires rehearsal and practice time outside of the weekly class meetings. An independent research project will be assigned based on historical study and musical analysis. Informal auditions for the Jazz Improvisation Orchestra will be held on Tuesday evening, January 19th to set the instrumentation of the ensemble. (The first class will be held on Tuesday Jan. 26th.) Information on this audition will be sent to all students registered for the course. Second year and above students are given preference in the make-up of the ensemble. Please contact Professor Ehrlich with your questions.

Independent Work Students are expected to spend 6-8 hours in preparation and work outside of class time. Prerequisite: Jazz Improvisation Seminar I (HACU 0192) or comparable 5 college class.