Jazz Combo
530:016, section 6
Fall 2005
Christopher Merz

This is a performance-oriented course dealing with all aspects of small group jazz performance. Students will have several on- and off-campus performance opportunities throughout the semester. By the end of the semester, the successful student will:

1. be part of a cohesive group with the aim of developing distinct musical personality.
2. have memorized and performed several tunes from jazz and/or popular repertoire.
3. have become a stronger improviser within the small group context.

Students will have the opportunity to set up their own groups for performance in the class. These groups will meet independently, twice a week. They may request a coaching session with Dr. Washut, Mr. Dunn, Jason Shadrick or myself at any time, but should plan at least two coached sessions prior to each performance, preferably with different coaches. These groups will each choose a spokesman, who will be responsible for informing me of rehearsal times (to facilitate making of room reservations) and organizing coaching sessions.

Those who do not create their own groups will be assigned to a group based on instrumental needs and ability/experience. Each of these combos will be assigned a coach. Groups will rehearse twice a week: once with their coach and once on their own. Times should be solidified as soon as possible to facilitate room reservation. It is up to each ensemble to make certain these rehearsals are happening and productive.

Coach's role

The role of the coach includes, but is not limited to:

1. providing group and individual guidance in the development of a personal style.
2. assistance with repertoire, including selection and arrangement of material.
3. critique all aspects of group performance in both rehearsals and performances.
4. serve as liaison with Professor Merz regarding performance dates and general progress of the group.
5. grading each member's work for the semester (where applicable).

1. moving equipment.
2. organizing rehearsals (contacting members, etc.).

Performances

Oct 4 Combo Concert, 8 PM, Russell Auditorium-ALL combos

Vibe Café:
Sept 27     A and B
Oct 11      C and D
Oct 18      E and F
Nov 1       A and B
Nov 8      C and D
Nov 15     E and F

All Vibe performances begin at 7:30 PM. Second set is 8:30 PM. Combo leaders should inform me of any conflicts with the performance schedule immediately.

Steve Cunningham, manager of The Cellar, has expressed interest in having student groups perform at his club during the week. Interested groups should contact him directly at 274-8889.

Other opportunities may become available throughout the semester. I will use mailserv (see below) to get the word out about these, as they appear.

Grading (where applicable)

Grades will be based on participation. All combo members are expected to attend all rehearsals and share responsibilities for coming up with repertoire, moving equipment, etc.

Students who are taking this class for participation credit only (music majors with more than 2 ensembles) should inform me via e-mail (full name and student ID number) by the second week of classes, so that I can submit a list to Carolina.

Attendance

Attendance at all rehearsals is expected (INCLUDING UNCOACHED SESSIONS). Unexcused absences from rehearsals will result in a lowered grade. Habitual absence may result in the absentee being dropped from the group. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. Students who miss performances will be dropped from the group.

Mailserv

I will establish a mailserv distribution list for this class. This distribution list will be used to keep you all informed about upcoming events and changes of schedule in the combo program. All students who are currently enrolled in 530:016:06 will be placed on the list automatically, using their UNI e-mail accounts. Students who are not enrolled for credit, or who are enrolled under the 530:116(g):06 number, will need to add their e-mail addresses to the list. This can be done by sending an e-mail to mailserv@uni.edu where the body of the message contains these two lines:

SUB 530-016-06
END

Note that dashes are used rather than colons for the course number in the message.

Room Reservations for Rehearsals and Sectionals

If you want to view the calendars/schedules for Davis Hall, Jebe Hall, Russell Auditorium or the Great Hall (or any other room in Russell, such as 60, 111 or 118), you may now do so online using Corporate Time (Oracle Calendar):

To access Corporate Time, use the web version: www.uni.edu/calendar. Your username will be "Music Calendar" and your password will be "Student."
There is a row of ten icons beneath the calendar in the upper left hand corner.

1. Click on the far right or 10th icon (view agendas)
2. In "view agendas" fill in PAC or RSL in the "Search" box
3. Click on "Resource search" (instead of "Name search" or "Event calendar search")
4. Click on "Find." There are your calendars.
5. In the row of icons, click the third one from the left for a monthly view. That shows everything for each day.
6. Once you find a suitable venue and time for your rehearsal, please e-mail me with details and I will make the booking. Be aware that at the beginning of the semester there is a flurry of bookings, so get me your choices quickly. Try to include an alternate choice if possible.

Note
The Americans with disabilities act of 1990 (ADA) provides protection from illegal discrimination for qualified individuals with disabilities. Students requesting instructional accommodations due to disabilities must arrange for such accommodations through the Office of Disability Services. The ODS is located at 213 Student Services Center. The telephone number is 273-2676.