Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0229 - Jazz Improviser's Orchestra

All the great jazz composers/improvisers have found an individualized voice within the collective ethos of the blues form, language, and sensibility. The range of innovative and expressive work within this form is one of the glories of the music. This semester we will perform repertoire from the whole lineage, traditional and re-constructed, looking backwards and forward. Students will be challenged to heighten their skills as improvisers and as ensemble musicians. Our goal is a final ensemble concert. A commitment to weekly practice and study on your instrument is an important part of this course. There are listening and writing components as well, connecting to the repertoire and history we will be exploring.

Independent Work Prerequisites: Div II/III students are given preference. Ability in reading music is required, and knowledge of music theory is of importance. There will be an informal audition the Tuesday before the first day of class. Students can expect to spend approximately 6 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.