Music 236/436 - Small Jazz Ensemble
Jim Scully, Instructor
Jim Scully
Office: MUS 107
Phone: 654.2511
Cell: 330.9304
Email: jscully@csub.edu
Mandatory Performance Dates:
CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse Concert
Saturday - February 27
12:30 PM Set-up, 7:30 PM Performance, 10 PM Tear-down
(ALL PORTIONS MANDATORY!)
Bakersfield Jazz Workshop
Performance in the open jam session
one Wednesday night from the following dates:
(1/20, 2/10, 2/24, 3/10)
8 PM - 10:30 PM
Days & Time: TBA (Music Building, Room #128 Band Room). Each ensemble will have a unique rehearsal time, so it is important that each student tell the instructor when he/she is free to rehearse. Send an email to jscully@csub.edu and tell me about ALL the free time you have to rehearse.
In addition to the normal rehearsal time, each student is expected to come to Friday sessions that will discuss composition, improvisation, theory and other aspects of the music that don't get enough attention during our normal rehearsals. Students are expected to bring instruments and participate in the workshop on the following Friday afternoons: 1/8, 1/22, 2/5, 2/19 and 3/5.
Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. I am also available for appointments outside of these times if need be. Contact me by phone or email to request an appointment.
Description: Music 236/436 (small group jazz) is intended for students who want to participate in jazz combos. The rehearsals will be no less than two hours per week and will be coached by the instructor. These rehearsals will culminate in a performance at the CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse concerts as well as appearances at the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop on specific Wednesday evenings.
Materials: Students are expected to bring their instrument, music and a pencil to each rehearsal, as well as manuscript paper, audio CD's and other materials as needed.
Requirements: Every student enrolled in Music 236 or 436 MUST perform in at the CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse Concert (11/7/09). Additionally, students are required to help set-up and tear down for the CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse concert. Student commitment for the JCH gig begins at 12:30 PM the day of the show and does not end until 10:30 PM. Take the day off from work - failure to do your fair share of the work will result in a lowered grade. There are no roadies to help with this work - it is your responsibility to put on your own concert.
Students are also required to perform during the open jam session at the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop once during the quarter. Available dates for the BJW appearances are: 1/20, 2/10, 2/24, 3/10 - the jam session starts a little after 8 PM.
Lastly, Students are REQUIRED to attend live jazz events. Students must attend the Legends of Jazz Concert - Mose Allison Trio (1/15) and the CSUB Jazz Ensemble Concert w/ guest trumpeter Ingrid Jensen (3/12). Get these nights off from work now.
A schedule of all CSUB Music Department events and appropriate local jazz events is posted HERE. Attend these events - consume this music.
Attendance: Any absence, either rehearsal or performance, must be 1) cleared with the instructor in advance, and 2) will only be excused for serious and/or compelling reasons. Only one excused rehearsal absence is permitted each quarter. Under no circumstance is a performance absence acceptable. If a student misses a scheduled performance, a grade of "F" will be issued for the quarter.
If an absence is unavoidable, the student MUST send an email to jscully@csub.edu prior to the scheduled rehearsal and place a phone call or text message to the cell phone of the instructor (330.9304).
Grading Information: Every rehearsal and performance is graded. Those grades are based on preparation, improvement (if any), attendance and overall ensemble success. An "A" grade shows exceptional work and a "B" grade shows that progress was made. A grade of "C" or lower shows below average work and progress.
Students are expected to prepare and practice their ensemble parts. If I deem a student to be under-prepared I will ask that student to go to a practice room to get prepared. Ensemble rehearsals are intended to be times when the entire piece can be practiced, allowing for work on balance, shaping, expression and other ensemble specific issues. Under-prepared students force the ensemble to wait on their progress - limiting greatly the ability of the ensemble to meet its goals.