Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Course Overview

 

Taught by: Brent Huber

 

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Vocal Jazz Ensemble (year class) 
Director: Brent Huber

 Curriculum and Objectives

              

VJE Curriculum is taught using:   Ensemble jazz technique performance, Solo interpretation, and Improvisation (scat singing)

 

  • Study and perform ensemble, solo and scat (improvisation) jazz singing 
  • Improve ensemble and individual vocal jazz technique 
  • Develop advanced performance/concert skills and discipline 
  • Learn and practice jazz melodic, harmonic and rhythmic singing 
  • Recognize and name musical intervals
  • Develop music notation reading, sight singing
  • Expand creativity by improvisation and interpretation 
  • Develop self-discipline, group responsibility, and cooperation 
  • Enhance critical listening and appreciation of music styles, periods and cultures 
  • Acquire knowledge and understanding of jazz idiom 
  • Understand and apply music in life long enrichment
  • Enjoy opportunities to enhance self esteem and have fun

 

Grades  

  • 20% Concerts - attendance, performance quality, set-up, strike, visual and aural presentation 

  • 30% Rehearsal - engagement, attendance, ensemble support, preparation, attendance 

  • 20% Practice (homework) - song preparation, internet practice tools, music theory 

  • 20% Evaluations - solor performance, vocal technique, sight reading, music theory and notation, 

  • 10% Individual progress 

Internet

Blackboard http://bb.asij.ac.jp

ASIJ Choral Website  http://www.asij.ac.jp/music/choir.html

Internet practice tools are available to help students practice at home.  Homework will be stored in "Blackboard", an internet teaching tool.  Please review your internet connections and email address.  Be ready to log on with your e-mail by Tuesday, August 31.

Concerts:  Please mark these dates on your calendars today.

  September 23, Thursday Back to School Night
    October 20, Wednesday: International Honor Choir Audition due- (optional)*
    November 19, Friday: 7PM: Jazz Band and Vocal Ensemble Concert
    November 20, Saturday: Solo and Ensemble Festival at ISSH- (optional)
     December 4, Saturday: 2:30PM: HS/MS Choral Concert (Holiday Happening) 
    February 1, Tuesday, all day: Jazz Festival at St Maur 
    February 12, Saturday, 7PM, Jazz Band and Vocal Ensemble Concert 
    March 10, Thursday, all day: HS Choral Festival at ISSH 
    March 11, Friday, 6:30: HS Kanto Plain Honor Concert at ISSH    
    March 15-21, International Honor Festival  (optional) 
  March 25, Friday, 7PM: HS/MS Choral Concert 
    April 22,23,28,29 HS Spring Music (optional) 
    May 13, Friday, 7PM: Jazz Band and Vocal Ensemble Concert 
    May 18, Wednesday, Fine Arts Recognition Program 
  May 28, Saturday, 10AM:  MS/HS Bands and Choir Concert
    June 4, Saturday, 3:30PM: Graduation
                           and selected on and off campus performances and activities chosen by group consensus.

 

Concerts are the important culminating activities for choir, our  “final exams.” Attendance at scheduled concerts is mandatory and important for both the completion of the musician’s educational progress and for the betterment of the choir. Valid previously arranged absences must be made three weeks in advance by parents and are strongly discouraged. Excused illnesses will be made up by individual recorded performance. VJE is a year-long curriculum and students are expected to complete the full year.        

Classroom Guidelines

  • Music folder, notation, and a pencil (no pens) every rehearsal 
  • Bottled water is encouraged in class. You will not be dismissed from class for drinks 
  • Cough drops or hard candies are helpful for sore throats, gum is not allowed in music rooms
  • Take care of your instrument. Lots of rest and lots of water (minimum 8 glasses a day)
  • Respect your fellow musicians
  • Participate in scheduled performances (listed above)
  • Practice at home including using internet tools and Blackboard.  Keep e-mail address current.
  • Excessive absences or tardies, as per ASIJ guidelines, may result in removal from class. 
  • Communicate! If you have a special need or problem share it with me after class or call me so that I may serve you better.

 

Students must purchase at least one CD, legally download songs, or subscribe to Rhapsody to study a  vocal artist. Rhapsody:  http://www.real.com/rhapsody/index.html

 

Commitment

              

The Vocal Jazz Ensemble is an experiential educational environment; students learn by doing and are motivated by performance goals. Singers in VJE have chosen to make singing a priority in their life this year and expect to perform frequently. The quality of this class depends on the consistent participation and effort of all involved musicians.

              

Music is a skill and passion that will bring a lifetime of reward. 

              

I look forward to great year and am pleased you will join us in a wonderful experience. Parents and singers, please feel free to contact me to discuss your progress and concerns.

 

                                                                                                               

Brent Huber

bhuber@asij.ac.jp

ASIJ extension 454

 

National Standards for Music Education

Music Educators National Conference- United States

 

1 Singing, alone and with other, a varied repertoire of music

2 Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

3 Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments

4 Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines

5 Reading and notation music

6 Listening to, analyzing, and describing music

7 Evaluating music and music performances

8 Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts

9 Understanding music in relation to history and culture

 

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Updated 12月, 2006