Jazz Ensemble is a standard jazz big band. The jazz ensemble will perform literature inclusive of all jazz styles. This ensemble will provide students with an opportunity to develop technical skill, sight-reading ability, and knowledge of the repertory related to the ensemble. It further allows students to synthesize musical, historical and cultural knowledge into meaningful artistic expression. Audition required. Repeatable for credit.
Jazz is a uniquely American form of art that is generally taught at the college level in a big band setting. This course is standard at four-year institutions throughout the state. The course typically transfers without problem. Music education majors need this experience at Snow College in order to teach this subject in secondary schools. Students wishing to continue band at a four-year institution must develop competitive performance skills while at Snow College.
Music from all stylistic periods of jazz and jazz-adjacent literature will be studied, practiced, rehearsed and performed. Various cultural and historical perspectives regarding the assigned repertoire will be explored. Proper instrumental technique will be stressed. Improvisation will also be a main focus and will be introduced to those with no prior background. Students will participate in several photo sessions and video shoots to develop promotional materials. Students will study and submit a professional portfolio and music resume to aid in their future employment opportunities.
