Citrus Hills Intermediate School
Jazz Ensemble Program
(FOR STANDARD BIG BAND JAZZ INSTRUMENTATION –AUDITION REQUIRED)
Standard Big Band Jazz Instrumentation includes:
Alto Saxophone (2 to 4 players)
Tenor Saxophone (2 to 4 players)
Baritone Saxophone (1 to 2 players)
Trombone (4 to 8 players)
Trumpet (4 to 8 players)
Electric Guitar (0 to 2 players)
Electric Bass (1 to 2 players)
Piano (1 to 3 players)
Drum Set (1 to 2 players)
PURPOSE
The purpose of Jazz Ensemble is to:
• introduce the students to various jazz styles by listening to examples of professional artists and performing challenging compositions.
• introduce students to unique articulations, dynamic markings, and phrasing appropriate to the style being studied.
• introduce and develop improvisational skills.
• develop in each student a sense of responsibility to himself/herself and to others in the group.
• help each student realize a sense of pride in the work he/she produces through focused preparation and attention to directions.
• develop self-control, discipline and independence as it relates to classroom behavior and individual practice.
CURRICULUM
• Tone Production (a concept of fine tone and the skills needed to achieve it, as well as the development of professional tone control techniques)
• Scales (all major scales, two octaves and the chromatic scale for the full range of the instrument; also, common blues scales and any other scales that relate to the improvisation being studied)
• Technique (selected scales and jazz etudes requiring progressive facility in the areas of fingering, range, rhythm and musicianship)
• Intonation (recognition of good / poor intonation and the ability to apply corrective techniques)
• Musicality (knowledge of all tempo, stylistic and dynamic markings encountered)
• Performance (participation in at least four public performances and two jazz festivals)
• Listening (being able to critically listen to other band performances and professional improvisation solos)
• Identifying (being able to identify major jazz artists by name, instrument, and style)