Jazz Combo

This course offers instrumentalists an in-depth study of jazz performance. This ensemble is open to all instruments including strings, woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, percussion). While playing a range of jazz repertoire, students will apply theory and learn strategies for interpreting and soloing over standard jazz chord changes. They will develop skills with swing phrasing, articulation, sight-reading, and idiomatic ensemble traditions. Rhythm section instrumentalists (piano, guitar, bass, and drums) will learn how to independently develop a range of instrument-specific parts for standard jazz repertoire. Students will build jazz vocabulary and develop their own voices as improvisers. The ensemble will perform their work in mandatory concerts throughout the year. Weekly individual instrumental lessons are not required but are available on campus to students for an additional fee. Students who are on financial aid at Beaver have the same percentage of aid applied to private lessons. This course can be taken more than once and at the Honors level with permission from the instructor. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options.

Two Term Course

Prerequisite: Instrumental Ensemble II, Ikonoclastic or placement audition.

• Interests: Hands On, Music
• Grades: 11th, 12th
• Subjects: Performing Arts