This course involves the study of specific instruments and their unique use and application in jazz (jazz notation and terminology, transposition, woodwind doublings, brass mutes, etc.) Assignments will focus on writing for smaller ensembles (up to 5 horns with rhythm section), with the final project to be an arrangement to be read by one of the UCLA Jazz Combos (or similar ensemble comprised of class members).
Prerequisites: Ethnomu 127 - Jazz Keyboard Harmony
Each meeting will be divided into two main parts:
- Lecture/discussion
- Listening and Analysis
Evaluation: Weekly assignments – 20%, class preparation & participation – 20%, midterm examination – 15%, transcription project – 15%, final arranging project – 30%.
Textbook:
Mancini, Henry. 1973. Sounds and Scores: A Practical Guide to Professional Orchestration. Northridge Music, Inc.
Attendance Policy:
All students a required to attend every class. Unexcused absences will result in a lowering of letter grade per unexcused absence. Students must contact instructor, prior to an absence, for the absence to be excused. Additionally, TWO tardy arrivals will be counted as ONE ABSENCE.
Schedule & Assignments:
Week 1 – 9/27: Introduction.
- Class expectations & preparation.
- Syllabus review.
- Chord symbols
Assignment:
- Chord analysis worksheet
- Read (& listen): Mancini – The Essentials, pp. 1-11. The Rhythm Section, pp. 153-166.
Week 2 – 10/4: The Rhythm Section
- Writing for rhythm section instruments.
- Drum “Kit” Demonstration.
- Transposition lecture
Assignment:
- Transpose any standard 32-bar tune for Tenor Sax, prepare part for class.
- Read (& listen): Mancini – The Saxophones, pp. 15-31. The Woodwinds, pp. 37-93.
- Begin Transcription Project.
Week 3 – 10/11: Writing for Woodwinds.
- Saxophones (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone).
- Clarinets (B-flat, E-flat, Bass Clarinet).
- Flutes (C Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute, Piccolo).
- Woodwind Demonstration.
Assignment:
- Transpose any standard 32-bar tune for Trumpet & Trombone, prepare part for class.
- Read (& listen): Mancini – The Brass, pp. 99-141.
Week 4 – 10/18: Writing for Brass.
- Trumpet & Flugelhorn
- Trombone.
- Horn in F (French Horn).
- Tuba.
- Trumpet & Trombone Demonstration.
Week 5 – 10/25: Midterm Exam.
- Transcription project due.
- Harmoniztion techniques/chord voicings.
Assignment:
- Read (& listen): Mancini – The String Section, pp. 213-241.
- Begin final arranging project.
Week 6 – 11/1: Voices & Strings
- Voice parts and ranges.
- “The Break”.
- Writing for voice.
- Lyrics & syllabic accent.
- String technique.
- 5-Horn harmonization assignment.
Week 7 – 11/8: Performance
1. In-class performance of 5-horn harmonization assignment.
Week 8 – 11/15: Individual arranging project meetings.
Week 9 – 11/22: Individual arranging project meetings.
Week 10 – 11/29: Final project performance.
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