Course-wide Enduring Understandings
Jazz Band A, B & C (MU6526, MU6527, MU9813)
● I am part of an ensemble, therefore actively listening to and cooperating
with others is essential for success of the group (Grad at Grad: Loving).
● God has provided me the means and opportunity to learn an instrument
and perform in an ensemble so I can share my gifts with others;
therefore I must regularly (5 times/week) practice at home to achieve
technical mastery of my instrument so I can contribute to the ensemble
to the best of my ability; private lessons are highly encourage to aid in
technical development. (Grad at Grad: Religious)
● I must be open to growth, and accept constructive criticism of my
playing with an open mind so I can improve and continue contribute the
ensemble to the best of my ability. (Grad at Grad: Open to Growth)
● I must strive to not only play my best, but also contribute to the
ensemble as a whole to the best of my ability; the Jazz Band provides
section leader positions, and annual awards are also given for Service &
Hardest Worker. (Grad at Grad: Leadership)
Course-wide Essential Questions
Jazz Band A, B & C (MU6526, MU6527, MU9813)
● What does it mean to play in tune?
● What does it mean to actively listen to others and to myself?
● How do I organize my time each week to include individual practice on
my instrument outside of class?
● How can I contribute to the ensemble besides through just my playing
ability?
● How to I apply the skills I learn in jazz band to the rest of my life?
MU 6526: Jazz Band A
Unit I: Basics of Big Band Playing (first weeks up until quarter break)
Enduring
Understandings
Essential
Questions
Essential
Knowledge
Essential Skills
Assessments
Students will understand:
Students will explore:
Students will know:
Students will be able to:
Assessments may include:
I am part of a large
ensemble and there are
“ground rules”
conduct/playing/working
together; there are leaders
within the group.
I must practice at home to
achieve the best results for
myself and for the
ensemble.
There is a difference
between active listening and
passive hearing.
The swing, bebop and
Latin-jazz sub-genres of
jazz have different specific,
definable stylistic
characteristics.
Scales in all major and
minor keys must be learned
to achieve fluency and
proficiency in playing the
concert repertoire.
● What does it mean
to play ‘in tune”?
● How do I play well
with the rest of the
ensemble?
● How do I blend my
sound with the rest
of the section and
the ensemble as a
whole?
Names of big band leaders Actively listen to what
and composer-arrangers.
they are playing, and what
the ensemble is playing, as
The sections of the big
opposed to passive
band and their role within “hearing”.
the band (rhythm, reeds,
brass)
Tune their instrument.
Basic “rules” for
ensemble playing and
why they are important
for rehearsal.
Play exercises and
repertoire assigned in
rehearsal/class.
Play in tune with others.
Key signatures of all
major keys.
Blend their sound with
their section and the rest of
the ensemble.
Vary their articulation,
inflection and types of
sound for each piece,
depending on whether it is
swing, bebop or Latin-jazz.
In class performance of
scales and other difficult
passages from the repertoire.
Listening Assignments.
Smart Music Assignments.
MU 6526: Jazz Band A
Unit Two: Introduction to Performance Techniques (after quarter break)
Enduring
Understandings
Essential
Questions
Essential
Knowledge
Essential Skills
Assessments
Students will understand:
Students will explore:
Students will know:
Students will be able to:
Assessments may include:
Perform repertoire from
the baroque, classical,
romantic, 20th and 21st
century periods.
Performance in an offcampus festival adjudicated
by professional musicians in
the Bay Area.
Master assigned scales and
exercises given in the first
quarter.
Performance in off-campus
“gigs” at Janet Pomeroy
Center, farmers’ markets etc.
Perform repertoire in a
festival setting off campus,
and in concert at SI.
Perform end-of-term
concerts at SI.
Practice outside of
class/rehearsal is essential
for personal and ensemble
growth, both technically
and musically.
The mindset for
performance is different
than that used for rehearsal.
Performing must be
practiced.
Everyone must work
together to put together a
performance.
● How is practicing
and rehearsing
different than
actually
performing?
● How do I know the
correct style of this
piece?
● How do I display
excellent
“musicianship”?
● How do I use the
skills I learn in jazz
band in other areas
of my life?
● How is music a
universal language?
How to adjust their
performance to improve
intonation, balance, blend
within the ensemble.
What their specific role is
within the band (section
leader, follower, etc.)
How to practice at home
to achieve optimal results
in performance during
class and at
festival/concerts.
Listening assignments.
MU 6522: Jazz Band B (& Jazz Band C - “MU9813” - for all subsequent
semesters taken)
Unit I: Mastering the Art of Ensemble Playing (before quarter break)
Enduring
Understandings
Essential
Questions
Essential
Knowledge
Essential Skills
Assessments
Students will understand:
Students will explore:
Students will know:
Students will be able to:
Assessments may include:
Participation in a
performance ensemble
benefits the individual and
the group
What does it mean to be a
responsible musician?
As students in Jazz Band
they are viewed as both
performers and educated
consumers of music.
Learn and follow protocol
for rehearsals and
sectionals
Independent success will
lead to greater group
success
High level performance
builds positive self esteem
The swing, bebop and
Latin-jazz sub-genres of
jazz have different specific,
definable stylistic
characteristics.
Scales in all major and
minor keys must be learned
to achieve fluency and
proficiency in playing the
concert repertoire.
What does it mean to be a
leader in a music
ensemble?
How is music a form of
communication?
Basic concepts of music
theory and learn to apply
music symbols and
terminology
How can self-evaluation
make me a better
musician?
Key signatures for scales
in all major and minor
keys.
What skills am I learning
by preparing this piece of
music?
How can musical progress
be measured?
Why is it important to set
goals for personal
improvement?
Increase playing skills as
they relate to the technical
demands of the music
Improve intonation,
knowledge of rhythm
reading and practicing
scales in different keys
In class performance of
scales and other difficult
passages from the repertoire.
Listening Assignments.
On and Off campus “gigs” at
Janet Pomeroy Center,
farmers’ markets, school
events, etc.
Smart Music Assignments.
Improve music reading
skills through regular
ensemble practice
Vary their articulation,
inflection and types of
sound for each piece,
depending on whether it is
swing, bebop or Latin-jazz.
MU 6522: Jazz Band B (& Jazz Band C - “MU9813” - for all subsequent
semesters taken)
Unit Two: Mastering Performance Techniques (after quarter break)
Enduring
Understandings
Essential
Questions
Essential
Knowledge
Essential Skills
Assessments
Students will understand:
Music reflects and shapes
culture and history
Students will explore:
Students will know:
Students will be able to:
Assessments may include:
What is the purpose of
music?
How to identify and
appreciate various substyles of jazz: swing,
bebop, Latin, funk.
Continue to improve all
aspects of musicianship,
including tone, intonation,
ensemble skills (listening),
rhythmic counting and
playing, expressiveness,
and technique
Performance in an offcampus festival adjudicated
by professional musicians in
the Bay Area.
Music has content and
meaning
Music is a life-long activity
that provides enjoyment and
enrichment
Music is a craft as well as
an artistic endeavor
The Arts are a universal
language
What role does music play
in my life, now and in the
future?
What is the value of
adjudication?
Key signatures in all
major and minor keys.
Exercise leadership and
problem-solving skills
through participation in
sectionals and chamber
ensembles
Show a high level of selfdiscipline and personal
responsibility, as
demonstrated by diligence
in home practice, proper
care of equipment, and
attendance at required
events
On and Off campus “gigs”.
Perform end-of-term
concerts at SI.