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Jazz Band Curriculum

Course Description

The Jazz curriculum is a volunteer activity that is taught as part of the regular band class. The Bartlett HS Jazz performances are divided in two types of ensembles:

Full Jazz Band (Big Band) consisting of 17-20 musicians, specializing in musical arrangements written for the Jazz Band Ensemble.

Jazz Combo typically consisting of 5-7 musicians specializing in Jazz improvisation.

Both performing groups prepare music in the spring semester. The WTSBOA Jazz Contest and the end of the year concert are the primary goals of these groups. Students involved in the Jazz curriculum are provided the opportunity to audition for the WTSBOA All-West Jazz Honor Band. 

From the Tennessee 9-12 Instrumental Music Standards:

Standard 3.0 Improvising
Students will improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments. Course Level Expectations (CLEs)
The student will

  1. 3.1  Improvise a rhythm or melody over a given chord progression.

  2. 3.2  Experiment with variations on a given melody.

  3. 3.3  Experiment with rhythmic or chordal accompaniments for a melody.

Checks for Understanding

  1. 3.1  Improvise a rhythm within a teacher-given parameter. Improvise a melody within a teacher-given parameter. Improvise on a melody within a traditional/jazz ensemble.

  2. 3.2  Create a variation on a teacher-given melody.

  3. 3.3  Improvise a rhythmic accompaniment for a teacher-given melody. Improvise a chordal accompaniment for a teacher-given melody. 

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