Course Description: Participation in the Jazz Ensemble give students the opportunity to rehearse and perform both new and established works in the repertory of the genre. Students are also exposed to techniques of jazz improvisation, jazz style characteristics, and elements of jazz formal structure. This course is open by audition only.

Texts/Materials:
There is no required textbook for this course. Recordings and/or other information may be made available to students through the Music Library or the instructor. When appropriate, students are responsible for disposing of educational/fair use copies immediately after their temporary use for rehearsals.

Learning Goal: The learning goal of MUS 254/454 is to provide current and professionally accepted instruction in jazz performance and pedagogy using the medium of the "Big Band." Instruction focuses on the fundamentals of jazz style, intonation, technique development, elements of overall musicality, and exposure to jazz ensemble literature in the standard repertory.

Educational Outcomes: Students will demonstrate proper standards of rehearsal and performance etiquette and successfully complete scheduled concerts throughout each semester.

Additional Expectations:

• Students are expected to spend time as necessary practicing their assigned parts.
• Students are expected to complete listening and other assignments as given by the instructor.
• Students are expected to be present with their instruments(s) and related gear on time at each rehearsal. In case of illness, the instructor should be notified by telephone (622-5006) and/or email (larry.nelson@eku.edu prior to rehearsal. For emergency absences, the instructor should be notified by telephone and, if possible, by email as soon as possible. In case of any absence (emergency or otherwise), the student is responsible for making sure that their music (and instrument if appropriate) is available at the rehearsal. In particular, if a student shares music with another someone else, he or she is responsible for making sure that the music is present at the rehearsal or available to the student with whom they share. Other absences should be discussed with the instructor at least one week prior to the absence.
• For those students who "rotate" or share positions with other students (i.e., if there are 2 or more people rotating as piano players, bass players, or drummers), all students should be present at the rehearsal at all times unless the absence is specifically granted by the instructor.

Assessment: Grades will be primarily based upon preparation for rehearsals, successful participation in concerts and other performances, and improvement over the course of study. Failure to adequately prepare, demonstrated lack of interest in improvement, or other failure to meet the expectations listed above or addressed by the instructor will result in deductions from the lesson grade.

The final grade for the semester will be based upon:

• attendance and preparation for rehearsals (40%).
• participation in concerts/performances (40%).
• demonstrated improvement over the semester (20%).

Unexcused absences after the first one will result in a drop of 1 letter grade per absence. Lateness to rehearsals will be reflected in the rehearsal grade.An unexcused absence to a dress rehearsal or concert will result in a failing grade for the semester.

Currently Scheduled Recitals/Concerts

Performance events currently on the schedule include:

• October 4, 2009 - EKU Jazz Ensemble; 8PM Gifford
• December 3, 2009 - EKU Jazz Ensemble; 8PM Gifford

It is my intention to seek additional opportunities for this ensemble to perform. As occasions arise - after checking with the school calendar to avoid conflicts - they will be added to the schedule, posted on my door, and/or announced during rehearsals.

Other dates of note include:

• October 13 - fall break (no class)

"Disability Statement:"
If you are registered with the Office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities, please obtain your accommodation letters from OSID and present them to the course instructor to discuss any academic accommodations you need. If you believe you need accommodation and are not registered with the OSID, please contact the Office in the Student Services Building Room 361 by email at disserv@eku.edu or by telephone (859)-622-2933 V/TDD. Upon individual request, this syllabus can be made available in an alternative format.

"Academic Integrity Statement"
Students are advised that EKU’s Academic Integrity policy will strictly be enforced in this course. The Academic Integrity policy is available at www.academicintegrity.eku.edu. Questions regarding the policy may be directed to the Office of Academic Integrity.

"Official Email"
An official EKU e-mail is established for each registered student, each faculty member, and each staff member. All university communications sent via e-mail will be sent to this EKU e-mail address.

Recording Waiver
All public performances recorded by the EKU performance ensembles are the sole property of Eastern Kentucky University. Any student registered for this course or listed in the program for any concert or recital waives all claims on any future income generated from these recordings.

Recording Waiver
All public performances recorded by the EKU performance ensembles are the sole property of Eastern Kentucky University. Any student registered for this course or listed in the program for any concert or recital waives all claims on any future income generated from these recordings.