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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSI D045.
Course Title (CB02)
Jazz Combos
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2021
Course Description
Students in this course will prepare and perform music for a jazz combo. Ensemble and improvisational performance are emphasized in addition to playing in all jazz rhythmic styles. Student compositions and arrangements are encouraged. Participation at all scheduled performances is required.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course is transferable to CSU and UC. It belongs on the Music A.A. degree. This is a skills development course important for small ensemble playing in the jazz idiom.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
5

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
2.0
Maximum Credit Units
2.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.02.0
Laboratory Hours3.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
12.0
Laboratory
36.0
Total
48.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
24.0

Prerequisite(s)

Placement by audition based on the ability to play an instrument and read music.

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

(Student must audition or meet course prerequisite(s).)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Lecture/demonstration with student application

Assignments

  1. Pieces for rehearsal and performance by each combo are assigned by instructor or agreed upon by members.
  2. Individual practice on ensemble parts and improvisation.
  3. Preparation for mid-term and final performances.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Ongoing assessment of student's progress of assigned pieces during rehearsals, and through classroom participation and collaboration.
  2. Mid-term and final performances demonstrating improvement in collaborative performance with other students in regards to agreed styles, tempi, articulations, and creative arrangements.
  3. Mid-term and final ensemble performances demonstrating individual improvement in the melodic, harmonic, and solo improvisation areas

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Personally owned instrument (some college owned equipment is available on loan)
Essential College Facilities:
  • Pianos in each rehearsal space,
  • Adequate jazz library and recordings of outstanding performances,

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
"The Real Book," 6th ed. Hal Leonard Publications, 2004

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Aebersold, Jamey, "Volumes 1-133," New Albany, IN. Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc. 1992-2012.
Sher, Chuck,"The New Real Book," Petaluma, CA. Sher Music Co. 2005.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Develop more advanced skills in improvisation and ensemble performance
  • Apply training in all jazz rhythmic styles for creative performance
  • Create new compositions and arrangements of standard jazz pieces
  • Participate in the group process of perfecting and performing jazz music in a combo setting

CSLOs

  • Perform with other students in their combo by demonstrating learned melodies, harmonies, and improvised solos on final performance.

  • Collaborate with other students in their combo by demonstrating agreed style, tempo, articulations, and creative arrangement on final performance.

Outline

  1. Develop more advanced skills in improvisation and ensemble performance
    1. Apply scales and motifs for more artistic imrovisational expression.
    2. Rehearse ensemble sections and recognize the forms of each piece for accurate performance.
  2. Apply training in all jazz rhythmic styles for creative performance
    1. Appropriate phrasing in swing, latin, ballad, fusion, and free jazz styles.
    2. Embellishing jazz melodies for ballads.
    3. Practicing the art of performing jazz standards in new rhythmic styles.
  3. Create new compositions and arrangements of standard jazz

    pieces
    1. Students are encouraged to compose new pieces for combo

      performance.
    2. Students are encouraged to create new arrangements of jazz standards for combo performance.
  4. Participate in the group process of perfecting and performing jazz music in a combo setting
    1. Recognize the value of group cooperation and collaboration in order to create quality performances.
    2. Individual practice in order to perfect ensemble parts and improve improvisation skills for the entire combo's success.

Lab Topics

  1. Students will rehearse jazz arrangements in small ensemble setting
  2. Students will employ improvisation skills in ensemble setting
  3. Students will apply new rhythmic styles to jazz standards during rehearsals
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