Prerequisites: Ethnomu 126A – Intro to Jazz Arranging and Orchestration, Ethnomu 126A – Introduction to Jazz Arranging and Orchestration, Ethnomu 127 - Jazz Keyboard Harmony
Each meeting will be divided into two main parts:
- Lecture/discussion
- Listening and Analysis
Evaluation: Weekly assignments – 30%, class preparation & participation – 30%, final arranging project – 40%.
Textbooks:
- Wright, Rayburn. 1982. Inside the Score: a detailed analysis of 8 classic jazz ensemble charts. Kendor Music, Inc.
- Hajdu, David. Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn.
- Scores for analysis are available (in PDF format) through course website. Titles listed below to be downloaded and reviewed prior to class.
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 – 4/3: Some Famous Big Bands
- Woody Herman – Early Autumn, Four brothers, Woodchopper’s Ball
- Stan Kenton – Artistry in Rhythm, Stompin’ at the Savoy (Bill Holman), 23 deg. North/82 deg. West (W. Russo), Here’s That Rainy Day (Barton)
- Fletcher Henderson - TBA
- Glen Miller – Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood
Reading: “Lush Life” – Ch. 1 & 2: “Something to Live For” & “Passion Flower”
“Inside the Score”, Sammy Nestico interview, p. 42-43.
Week 2 – 4/10: Count Basie Arrangers
**Scores and recordings to be studied in preparation for class.
- Frank Foster – Hey Jim, Blues in Hoss’ Flat, Shiny Stockings
- Neal Hefti – Cute, Li’l Darlin
- Quincy Jones – I Needs to be Bee’d With, I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You
- Sammy Nestico – Basie Straight Ahead, Hay Burner, Wind Machine.
- Billy Byers – Come Fly With Me, Souse of the Border
Reading: “Lush Life” – Ch. 3 & 4: “Overture to a Jam Session” & “So This is Love”.
ETHNOMU 126C
Spring 2007 - page 2
Week 3 – 4/17: Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn
Orchestration techniques unique to the Ellington Orchestra.
**Scores and recordings to be studied in preparation for class.
Prelude to a Kiss, Schwiphti, In a Mellotone, Morning mood, Flirtibird, Passion Flower, Blues in Orbit
Reading: “Lush Life” – Ch. 5 & 6: “Beyond Category” & “I’m Checkin’ Out…”
“Inside the Score”, Thad Jones interview, p. 108-109.
“Inside the Score”, Bob Brookmeyer interview, p. 179-181.
Week 4 – 4/24: Masters of the Jazz Orchestra (Composer/Arranger/Orchestrators)
**Scores and recordings to be studied in preparation for class.
- Thad Jones – Three and One, Kids Are Pretty People, Us
- Gil Evans – King Porter Stomp, Gone (Porgy & Bess), Bess, Oh Where’s My Bess
- Bob Brookmeyer – Hello & Goodbye, First Love Song, ABC Blues
- Benny Carter – Vine Street Rumble, Katy-Do
Reading: “Lush Life” – Ch. 7 & 8: “All Roads Lead…” & “There Was Nobody Lookin’”
Week 5 – 5/1: Individual Project Meetings.
Reading: “Lush Life” – Ch. 9 & 10: “Up & Down, Up & Down” & “Blood Count”
Week 6 – 5/8: The Studio Orchestra: Arrangers for Nat Cole, Frank Sinatra, etc.
- Nelson Riddle - TBA
- Quincy Jones - TBA
- Billy May - TBA
- Henry Mancini – TBA
“Lush Life” - QUIZ
Week 7 – 5/15: Modern/Present Day Arrangers.
**Scores and recordings to be studied in preparation for class.
- Kim Richmond – Hello, Young Lovers
- John Clayton – Blues for Stephanie
- Frank Mantooth – Young and Foolish, Secret Love
- Maria Schneider – Hang Gliding
- Bob Mintzer - Resolution
Week 8 – 5/22: Individual Project Meetings.
Week 9 – 5/29: Project reading sessions. (During Jazz Orchestra rehearsal – 7PM SMB 1345)
Week 10 – 6/5: Final project recap & “Lush Life” viewing. |
