High School Jazz Band
Philosophy Statement: God created the world with innumerous sounds. Since the beginning God has given music to mankind to enrich lives and to enhance man’s expression of love to his Creator. The Bible gives several instances when men and women glorify and praise God through singing and the use of instruments. Through the study and performance of music, students can focus their gifts and talents into expression that reflect His beauty. Music is a gift from God.
Course Objective: To play jazz through a variety of different styles of jazz music. These styles are blues, shuffle, ballad, samba, and rock. Students will play and improve upon improvisation through chordal changes and alternative forms, including rhythm changes, and blues form. Finally, the members of the jazz ensemble will prepare for performances, festivals, and contests.
Materials:
Time Allotment: 70 minutes per day, three days per week
The Des Moines Christian Jazz Ensemble begins rehearsal in late September. The first performance of the year is SCIBA Districts. This performance will qualify the band for the Iowa Jazz Championships. Between the months of January and March, the Jazz Ensemble will select various jazz festivals in the metro to attend. This will include festivals such as: UNI Tallcorn, Jack Oatts, Central College, Council Bluffs, Truman State, Hooverfest, and Woodward Granger. The state festival is in January and is attended annually. The Iowa Jazz Championships is the goal at the end of each year. The final concert is Jazz Night in May.
Course Content:
Areas to be evaluated:
Additional Activities:
· Students will be nominated for CJC and Drake Honor Jazz
· Try outs for All-State Jazz
· Members are encouraged to attend improvisation lessons at the Creative Music Studio by Susie Miget