Jazz Arranging & Composition: Music 133

Required Materials:

Rayburn Wright, Inside the Score
Sammy Nestico, The Complete Arranger
Real Book, in concert pitch or your instruments key.
Loose leaf binder with manuscript paper
SuperDisk

Class Objectives

Through this course you will learn the fundamentals of jazz arranging and composition for large and small ensembles. You will learn proper jazz notation with special emphasis on the rhythm section. You will learn proper scoring for the rhythm section, saxophones, trumpets and trombones, including ranges, voicings and various combinations of instruments and sections. You will arrange and compose pieces for combos, each section, and finally for full big band. Various projects including the final jazz ensemble arrangement will be read and recorded by one of the Drake jazz ensembles.

All work will be done using computer notation software. Instruction on the use of the midi software will be covered throughout the class.. Using the computer is essential to your progress as an arrranger, since it gives immediate feedback as to what you piece will sound like before putting in front of the band. You can also generate hybrid arrangements that are a combination computer sequence and live performance. It also aids in printing out the parts for the individual players.

Grading:

Attendance/participation 10%
Assignments/small projects 35%
Tests/quizes 20%
Large projects 15%
Final project for full jazz ensemble 20%

Assignment Deadlines:

In the world of professional writing, deadlines are real. If you miss a deadline, you may never be called back again. Conversely, if you establish a reputation of getting the job done well and on time, you could become a much desire writer. Now is time to learn how to do whatever it takes to make the deadline. All projects that are late will receive an "F". However, I will still review them and give you comments.