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Jazz Ensemble I and II

These courses train students in the presentation of traditional and contemporary big band jazz. Jazz Ensemble I is considered to be the advanced ensemble focusing on music generally from a moderate to professional level of difficulty. Jazz Ensemble II focuses on music from the beginning to moderate level of difficulty. Both courses focus on learning the various styles associated with big band jazz and sight reading.

Jazz Combo

This course trains students in the presentation of traditional and contemporary small group jazz. Students selected for the jazz combo generally improvise at a high level. The Jazz Combo focuses on two main areas:

Preparing material for jazz performances such as concerts and festivals. In this endeavor, the students are generally self-directed (with some guidance from the Director) and are responsible for creating their own program.

Preparing musical material for social events such as weddings, anniversaries, corporate events holiday parties, receptions, etc. The students gain valuable insight into the “real” musical world by performing in a variety of engagements. Because the combo is booked frequently throughout the school year, students are expected not only to perform at the highest level, but also to exhibit a high level of maturity. It is also important that students in combo have access to reliable transportation.

Rhythm Section Class

Rhythm section students (i.e., Jazz pianists, guitarists, bassists, drummers) receive training in small group and big band rhythm section playing. Typically, the class is divided into several small groups. Repertory is based on tunes commonly performed in the jazz idiom. Rhythm section students learn how to perform tunes in a variety of different rhythmic styles such as swing, bossa nova, samba, jazz-rock, etc.

Jazz Fundamentals

This course provides the student with a thorough grounding in jazz theory and ear training. Topics include: basic chord construction, scales/modes commonly used in the jazz idiom, chord-scale relationships, developing basic improvisation skills, developing transcription skills.

Jazz Improvisation

Students are trained in the art of jazz improvisation. In Jazz Improvisation class, students learn how to apply the skills they have developed in Jazz Fundamentals class to creatively improvise on their instrument. The class is repertory- based using tunes commonly performed in the jazz idiom. Students are expected to memorize all assigned tunes. In addition to daily assignments, students are assigned a major transcription project each semester. Much emphasis is placed on the importance of listening to the jazz masters.

All HSPVA music students are required to take Theory I (two semesters) and II (one semester), Music History (one semester) and Sight Singing (one semester).

In addition, the following jazz courses are offered:

Jazz Ensemble I and II

Jazz Combo

This course trains students in the presentation of traditional and contemporary small group jazz. Students selected for the jazz combo generally improvise at a high level. The Jazz Combo focuses on two main areas:

Rhythm Section Class

Jazz Fundamentals

This course provides the student with a thorough grounding in jazz theory and ear training. Topics include: basic chord construction, scales/modes commonly used in the jazz idiom, chord-scale relationships, developing basic improvisation skills, developing transcription skills.

Jazz Improvisation

Jazz History

This course provides students an introduction to the history of jazz from its beginnings to current trends. The class is based on a combination of lecture, performance, historically important recordings, and videos.